Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2015 


https://archive.org/details/literaryactivityOOflor_0 


LITERARY  ACTIVITY 

OF  THE 

GERMAN  Baptist  Brethren 

IN  THE 

EIGHTEENTH  CENTURY 


By 

JOHN  S.  FLORY.  Ph.  D. 

Profaaor  of  Sngltsh  Lantjuage  and  Literature  in  BrtJgetvater  College ,  formerly 
Assistant  in  English  Literature  in  the  Universify  of  Virginia. 


Thi*  Disaertatioa  has  been  accepted  by  the  Faculty  of  the  University  o{ 
Virginia  as  satisfying  the  requirements  in  original  research  for 
the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Philosophy. 


ELGIN.  ILUNOIS 
BRETHf^N  PUBLISHING  HOUSE 
1908 


Copyright,  1908. 


BRETHREN  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 
Elgin,  Illinois. 


/ 


INTRODUCTION 


The  closing  years  of  the  nineteenth  and  the  opening 
of  the  twentieth  centuries  witnessed  the  birth  of  a  deep 
and  widespread  interest  in  the  early  history  of  the 
Germans  who  came  to  Pennsylvania  in  the  first  days 
of  that  great  Commonwealth.  The  subject  has  grown 
in  interest,  as  the  records  of  the  past  brought  to  light 
the  doings  of  these  sturdy,  conscientious,  pious  sons 
of  the  Fatherland,  until  today  every  new  phase  of  the 
subject  is  anxiously  waited  for  and  warmly  welcomed 
by  all  who  take  an  interest  in  our  beginnings  in  our 
country.  Pennsylvania  Dutch,  once  used  as  a  term 
of  ridicule,  has  become  a  topic  of  the  most  absorbing 
interest  to  all  who  are  inclined  to  look  into  the  history 
of  the  past. 

To  no  class  of  people  are  these  records  of  the  past 
more  intensely  interesting  than  to  The  Brethren, 
(Dunkers),  for  in  William  Penn's  New  Colony  they 
found  a  resting  place  and  began  their  religious  activi- 
ties in  America  which  have  continued  with  some  meas- 
ure of  success  until  this  day.  Driven  from  their  homes 
in  the  ungracious  Vaterland  by  the  persecutions  of  the 
established  church,  they  found  rest  and  liberty  of  con- 
science in  the  New  World.  Strange  it  is  that  no  sooner 
had  the  Luther  Reformers  thrown  off  the  yoke  of 
Rome  than  they  entered  upon  a  vigorous  persecution 
of  all  who  did  not  give  full  assent  to  their  views.  And 
so  the  Brethren,  who  had  never  accepted  Romanism 


iv 


Introduction 


fell  under  the  ban.  They  were  unwilling  to  accept  the 
filtered  product  of  the  Reformation,  preferring  to  go 
to  the  undefiled  fountain  head  of  God's  Word,  and  as 
a  result  were  bitterly  and  cruelly  persecuted  and  driven 
from  their  homes  by  the  reformers. 

Our  Author  has  laid  the  church  and  the  reading 
public  generally  under  many  obligations  by  his  pains- 
taking, careful  and  conscientious  research  in  order  to 
bring  to  light  the  literary  activities  of  our  people  in 
the  eighteenth  century.  Not  for  years  has  it  fallen 
to  my  lot  to  read  a  book  that  has  afforded  so  much  in- 
terest and  genuine  pleasure  as  has  this  work.  Some 
books  we  read  from  a  sense  of  duty,  others  because 
they  were  written  by  our  friends  and  others  still  be- 
cause of  their  real  merit  and  because  of  the  rich  value 
of  their  contents.  In  the  latter  class  this  work  will 
find  a  commanding  position.  It  will  become  an  au- 
thority on  the  subject  so  ably  treated. 

The  Author  promises  the  result  of  a  continuation 
of  his  researches  in  a  succeeding  volume  covering  the 
literary  activities  of  The  Brethren  for  the  nineteenth 
century.  Judging  from  what  he  has  already  accom- 
plished we  may  anticipate  a  further  valuable  addition 
to  our  literature. 

It  is  sad  to  reflect  that  after  the  destruction  of 
Saur's  great  printing  plant  at  Germantown,  during  the 
Revolutionary  war,  for  more  than  half  a  century  The 
Brethren  gave  but  a  half-hearted  support  to  educa- 
tional and  literary  efforts.  This  may  have  been  the 
resultant  swing  from  the  scholastic  ecclesiasticism 
from  which  the  fathers  suffered  so  much  in  Germany, 
and  it  went  so  far  that  they  came  to  look  upon  higher 


Introduction 


V 


education  as  a  snare  of  the  devil  to  entrap  the  humble 
followers  of  Christ  and  to  lead  them  into  pride  and 
worldlyism.  Be  this  as  it  may  it  was  not  until  the 
close  of  the  first  half  of  the  last  century  that  the  print- 
ing press  became  active  among  us  again  and  higher 
education  began  to  assume  significance.  The  last  quar- 
ter of  the  century  witnessed  a  revival  of  literary  and 
educational  activity  among  The  Brethren  rarely  sur- 
passed among  any  people.  Through  this  fruitful  field 
our  Author  will  take  us  in  his  next  volume,  and  the 
hope  is  expressed  that  he  may  be  able  to  finish  the 
work  at  an  early  date.  D.  L.  Miller. 


PREFACE 


In  the  ensuing  pages  I  have  tried  to  tell  the  story 
of  the  literary  activity  of  the  Dunkers  during  the  first 
period  of  their  history.  As  such  a  work  has  never 
been  undertaken  before,  I  have  necessarily  been  at  the 
disadvantage  of  having  to  find  my  way  in  regard 
to  many  things,  and  of  planning  the  work  without  a 
precedent  or  guide.  If  I  have  given  undue  prominence 
to  any  part  of  the  history  or  have  regarded  any  part 
as  of  too  slight  importance,  the  defect  may  be  attrib- 
uted to  error  of  judgment  and  lack  of  experience. 

I  have  not  aimed  at  an  exhaustive  treatment  so  much 
as  at  a  straightforward,  unadorned  narrative  that  will 
give  as  nearly  as  possible  a  correct  idea  of  the  posi- 
tion our  people  occupied  in  the  eighteenth  century, 
and  of  the  value  and  import  of  their  literary  work. 
If  I  have  succeeded  in  reconstructing  the  period  to 
any  extent,  and  in  bringing  into  due  prominence  the 
significance  of  the  great  achievements  in  our  early  his- 
tory, and  by  this  means  of  awakening  a  deeper  interest 
and  pride  in  ourselves  as  a  people,  my  purpose  has 
been  accomplished.  I  should  trust,  however,  that  I 
have  also  contributed  something  to  the  fund  of  our 
information  in  regard  to  our  history  as  a  denomina- 
tion. Yet  this  has  been  only  incidental.  My  chief 
aim  has  been  to  set  forth  in  a  deserving  light  our  ac- 
complishments during  the  eighteenth  century  as  pro- 
ducers and  disseminators  of  literary  work. 

I  presume  it  is  natural  that  the  student  of  litera- 


viii 


Preface 


ture  should  in  time  be  led  to  a  consideration  of  the 
literature  of  his  church.  At  least  it  has  been  so  in 
this  case.  I  had  thought  for  some  years  that  there 
must  be  some  interesting  literary  work  connected  with 
the  early  experiences  of  the  Brethren,  but  I  had  no 
idea  of  the  wealth  of  material  to  be  found  until  I  un- 
dertook the  investigation  of  it  some  four  years  ago. 

Through  the  agency  of  the  library  of  the  University 
of  Virginia,  with  which  institution  I  was  at  that  time 
connected,  the  archives  of  the  Virginia  State  Library 
at  Richmond  and  of  the  Library  of  Congress  at  Wash- 
ington were  opened  to  me.  From  both  of  these,  as 
well  as  from  the  University  library,  I  received  valuable 
aid. 

The  chief  depositories  of  our  early  literature,  how- 
ever, are  in  Philadelphia.  Besides  several  very  valu- 
able private  collections,  two  large  public  collections 
are  housed  here.  They  are  in  the  libraries  of  the  His- 
torical Society  of  Pennsylvania  and  of  the  German 
Society  of  Pennsylvania  respectively.  To  both  of 
them  I  was  granted  free  access  and  found  a  wealth 
of  material  that  was  far  beyond  my  expectations  at 
first. 

The  nucleus  of  the  Historical  Society's  collection  is 
a  part  of  the  famous  collection  of  Abraham  H.  Cas- 
sel,  the  noted  antiquary  of  the  Brethren  church.  His 
fine  collection  has  unfortunately  been  broken  up  and 
scattered.  The  choice  part  of  it  undoubtedly  is  in  the  ar- 
chives of  the  Historical  Society.  A  very  important  part 
is  in  the  library  of  Juniata  College,  another  part  is  at 
Mt.  Morris  College,  and  a  smaller  part  at  Bridge- 
water  College. 


Preface 


ix 


When  I  began  this  work  my  intention  was  to  write 
in  one  volume  a  literary  history  of  the  Brethren  church 
to  the  present  day.  The  abundance  of  material  in 
the  early  part,  however,  caused  me  to  modify  this  plan 
to  the  extent  of  treating  it  in  two  distinct  periods,  and 
in  two  separate  works.  The  first  is  now  completed 
and  is  herewith  offered  to  the  public. 

In  the  course  of  my  investigations  I  have  collected 
a  considerable  mass  of  material  on  the  latter  period  al- 
so. It  is  my  intention  to  continue  the  narrative  and  ( D. 
V.)  in  another  volume  to  bring  it  down  to  the  present 
time.  To  any  friends  who  may  have  contributed  facts 
pertaining  to  the  later  history  I  now  make  this  state- 
ment and  general  acknowledgment  of  their  services. 
When  the  volume  is  issued  suitable  credits  will  be 
given. 

Closing  the  first  period  with  the  end  of  the  eight- 
eenth century  divides  our  history  into  two  nearly  equal 
parts.  But  the  chief  reason  for  choosing  this  date  for 
the  division  is  the  fact  that  it  marks  the  end  of  a  dis- 
tinct period  of  our  history.  With  the  close  of  the 
Leibert  press,  three  years  before  the  end  of  the  cen- 
tury, the  leadership  of  the  Bunkers  as  producers  and 
disseminators  of  literature  came  to  an  end.  And  the 
death  of  Alexander  Mack.Jr.,  in  1803,  marks  the  pas- 
sage of  that  first  group  of  great  men  who  lent  lustre 
to  the  early  history  of  the  church,  and  who  produced 
the  first  important  body  of  our  church  literature. 

The  conditions  prevailing  at  the  beginning  of  the 
next  century  were  very  different  from  those  that  had 
preceded,  and  these  changed  conrlitions  will  mark  the 
beginning  of  the  further  treatment. 


X 


Preface 


In  preparing  this  work  I  have  gone  to  original 
sources  wherever  possible.  I  have,  however,  availed 
myself  of  whatever  has  been  written  on  the  subject. 
I  have  read  the  several  histories  of  the  Brethren 
church,  by  Brumbaugh,  by  Falkenstein,  and  by  Hol- 
singer.  Where  I  have  received  special  information 
I  have  endeavored  to  give  credit.  Matters  of  undis- 
puted history,  however,  I  have  used  without  acknowl- 
edgment to  any  one.  I  may  have  on  occasion  used 
almost  the  exact  words  of  one  or  another  writer  un- 
consciously. I  have  not  been  studious  to  avoid  doing 
so. 

In  the  first  chapter  I  have  quoted  three  times  at 
length.  I  have  done  this  on  purpose  to  allow  the 
great  authorities  to  speak  in  their  own  words  on  the 
three  important  topics  there  discussed :  the  original 
principles  of  the  church,  the  organization  of  the 
church,  and  the  doctrines  of  the  church.  These  three 
authorities  are  Ernest  Christopher  Hochmann,  Alex- 
ander Mack,  Jr.,  and  Elder  D.  L.  Miller. 

Julius  F.  Sachse's  German  Sectarians  of  Pennsyl- 
vania contains  much  valuable  information  about  the 
Sower  Bibles.  I  have  consulted  it  freely  and  am  under 
obligations  to  it  for  many  important  facts.  Seiden- 
sticker's  Geschichtsblatter  has  also  been  useful  in  the 
preparation  of  this  chapter. 

This  last  named  work  has  likewise  been  helpful  in 
the  study  of  the  Sower  newspaper.  The  works  them- 
selves have  been  the  chief  source  of  information,  how- 
ever, in  regard  to  all  the  periodicals.  The  newspapers, 
so  far  as  preserved,  are  at  the  Historical  Society ;  the 
magazines  and  the  almanacs  at  both  the  Historical 


Preface 


xi 


Society  and  the  Germain  Society  (incomplete).  I 
studied  them  at  both  places. 

The  biographical  material  in  chapter  V  has  been 
collected  from  a  great  variety  of  sources.  Among  the 
most  important  I  may  mention,  Seidensticker's  Ge- 
schichtsbldtter,  Goebel's  Geschichte  dcs  Christlichen 
Lebens,  Appleton's  Cyclopedia  of  American  Biogra- 
phy, the  Chronicon  Ephratense,  and  the  several  church 
histories. 

Where  the  selections  of  the  different  authors  used 
have  been  secured  I  have  indicated  in  each  case.  With 
the  exception  of  one  of  the  letters  of  Christopher 
Sower,  Sr.,  I  take  the  responsibility  of  the  translation 
upon  myself.  In  the  prose  I  have  aimed  at  a  literal 
reproduction  of  the  thought  without  embellishment  or 
ornament.  In  the  poetry  I  have  thought  well  to  give 
some  variety.  The  form  of  the  poem  in  some  instances 
seemed  to  be  an  integral  part  of  the  poetry;  in  such 
cases  I  have  preserved  the  poetic  form,  at  some  ex- 
pense naturally  of  poetic  quality  and  of  literalness. 
In  other  instances  I  have  aimed  only  to  reproduce 
the  thought. 

Other  works  that  I  have  found  useful  in  the  prepara- 
tion of  the  following  pages  are  Thomas's  History  of 
Printing  in  America,  Seidensticker's  The  First  Cen- 
tury of  German  Printing  in  America,  The  Interna- 
tional Cyclopedia,  Jameson's  Dictionary  of  United 
States  History,  Riipp's  History  of  the  Religions  De- 
nominations in  the  United  States.  Many  other  works 
have  been  consulted,  and  as  far  as  they  have  contrib- 
uted to  this  volume,  credit  has  been  given  in  the  body 
of  the  text. 


xii 


Preface 


The  appendix  is  of  course  taken  largely  from  Dr. 
Seidensticker's  work.  I  have  succeeded,  however, 
in  adding  a  considerable  number  to  the  works  he  re- 
cords. For  these  additions  I  am  under  obligations 
chiefly  to  Rev.  A.  Stapleton  of  Wrightsville,  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  to  The  Pennsylvania  German. 

I  have  yet  the  pleasant  duty  of  acknowledging  the 
personal  helpfulness  of  several  friends.  To  Dr.  Charles 
W.  Kent  of  the  University  of  Virginia,  I  am  under 
obligations  for  helpful  suggestions  and  constant  en- 
couragement. From  the  very  inception  of  the  work 
to  the  present  his  interest  in  it  and  his  inspiring  en- 
couragement have  had  much  to  do  with  bringing  it 
to  completion.  Eld.  D.  L.  Miller  of  Mount  Morris, 
Illinois,  has  likewise  given  words  of  encouragement 
and  direction  that  have  made  the  work  easier.  He 
has  also  done  me  the  kindness  to  read  my  manuscript 
and  has  oflfered  valuable  suggestions.  His  interest  is 
further  shown  by  his  willingness  to  supply  an  intro- 
duction to  my  imperfect  work. 

My  thanks  are  also  due  Mr.  John  S.  Patton  and 
Miss  Anna  Seeley  Tuttle,  of  the  University  of  Vir- 
ginia library,  who  have  spared  no  pains  in  procuring 
for  me  the  use  of  any  books  or  documents  in  their 
power.  To  Dr.  John  W.  Jordan  of  the  Historical  So- 
ciety's library  in  Philadelphia  and  to  Miss  L.  Hert- 
zog  of  the  German  Society,  I  am  likewise  under  ob- 
ligations for  repeated  kindnesses  and  aid. 

Bridgewater  College,  Jno.  S.  Flory. 

January,  ipo8. 


/ 


Literary  Activity  of  the  German  Baptist 
Brethren  in  the  Eighteenth  Century 


CHAPTER  I. 
Genesis  of  the  German  Baptist  Brethren  Church. 

In  order  that  the  ensuing  history  may  be  intelligible, 
it  is  necessary  to  state  briefly  the  main  facts  in  regard 
to  the  people  whose  work  is  here  to  receive  considera- 
tion. It  will  be  of  interest  to  know  where,  when,  and 
how  the  German  Baptists,  or  Dunkers,  came  into  be- 
ing, and  the  peculiarities  of  their  faith  and  practice. 
A  history  of  them  as  a  people  is  of  course  not  at- 
tempted here,  but  such  facts  as  are  necessary  to  un- 
derstand their  literary  work,  and  the  significance  of 
it,  must  be  recorded. 

To  find  the  origin  of  this  religious  body  it  is  nec- 
essary to  go  back  to  Germany  in  the  early  years  of  the 
eighteenth  century.  This  was  a  time  of  great  social 
and  spiritual  unrest.  The  Protestant  Reformation  was 
advancing  to  its  logical  result.  On  all  sides  there  was 
dissatisfaction  with  the  existing  ecclesiastical  condi- 
tion. Discussion  was  rife.  The  Reformation  had  ac- 
complished wonders  in  eradicating  heresies,  and  ele- 
vating the  social,  moral,  and  intellectual  condition  of 
the  people.  Yet  the  established  Protestant  churches 
(Lutheran  and  Reformed)  had  become  intolerant,  and 

1 


\ 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

permitted  practices  that  many  of  the  most  advanced 
thinkers  of  the  time  could  not  reconcile  with  the  Bible 
teaching.  These  latter,  however,  were  hopelessly  split 
up  among  themselves,  so  that  there  was  no  end  of  be- 
liefs and  of  interpretations  of  the  inspired  Word. 

As  to  the  Catholic  church.  Protestantism  had  com- 
pletely broken  its  power  in  northern  Europe  and  had 
eradicated  many  vile  and  evil  practices.  It  had  dis- 
pelled the  fog  of  superstition  and  ignorance  which  for 
centuries  had  brooded  over  the  minds  of  the  people 
like  a  night  hag,  and  had  brought  them  into  a  day  of 
comparative  freedom  and  light.  The  masses  had  ad- 
vanced in  intelligence,  until  even  the  poorer  classes 
were  manifesting  an  intelligent  interest  in  the  problems 
of  Christianity.  Thought  was,  however,  terribly  con- 
fused ;  almost  everybody  was  interested  in  religion  and 
took  a  hand  in  discussing  it,  yet  comparatively  few 
would  have  been  able  to  give  a  clear,  concise  state- 
ment of  what  they  believed,  or  why  they  believed  as 
they  did. 

Amidst  this  confusion  and  wilderness  of  conflicting 
opinions,  one  belief  held  in  common  by  many  of  the 
dissenters  tended  to  draw  them  together  into  one  body. 
This  was  the  thought  that  religion  is  for  the  individ- 
ual, and  that  it  ought  to  manifest  itself  in  the  outward 
life.  While  admitting  what  had  been  accomplished 
by  the  Reformation,  they  could  not  be  satisfied  with 
present  achievements,  but  looked  for  a  fuller  realiza- 
tion of  the  principles  of  Protestantism  in  the  individ- 
ual. They  felt  that  vital  Christianity  had  reached  the 
church  only  in  the  mass,  and  that  the  rich  fruits  of 

2 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


spirituality,  which  must  be  sought  largely  in  the  indi- 
vidual, the  church  had  not  yet  reahzed.  Consequently 
they  plead  for  greater  personal  purity  and  humility, 
and  taught  that  rehgion  is  essentially  a  matter  of  the 
heart.  Although  in  details  they  varied  considerably, 
they  held  this  one  tenet  in  common,  and  collectively 
were  known  as  Pietists. 

With  these  people  the  early  German  Baptists,  or 
Taufers,  as  they  are  constantly  called  in  the  early  rec- 
ords, had  much  in  common.  These  latter  were  one  of 
the  later  sects  to  arise,  and  some  of  their  leaders  were 
on  the  most  intimate  terms  of  friendship  with  such 
leaders  of  Pietism  as  Ernst  Christoph  Hochmann 
von  Hochenau,  August  Hermann  Francke,  Gottfried 
Arnold  and  others.  At  times  the  Brethren,  or  German 
Baptists,  fraternized  with  the  Pietists,  but  were  never 
of  them  and  were  entirely  free  from  any  of  those  ex- 
cesses to  which  some  of  the  latter  at  times  gave  way. 
None  of  the  leaders  of  the  German  Baptists  had  ever 
been  Pietists,  although  they  held  more  in  common  with 
them  than  with  any  of  the  other  dissenting  sects  of  the 
time,  as  the  Schvvenkfelders,  the  Mennonites,  the  Mys- 
tics and  the  like. 

All  of  these  sects,  by  their  determination  to  live  out 
the  teachings  of  the  New  Testament  as  they  under- 
stood them,  brought  down  upon  their  defenseless 
heads  the  full  wrath  of  both  Church  and  State.  The 
three  state  churches — Catholic,  Reformed  and  Lu- 
theran— denied  the  right  of  any  of  the  dissenting  sects 
to  exist  in  the  German  Empire.  Consequently  every 
means  at  their  command  was  used  to  free  the  land 

3 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


from  these  heretics  and  heresies.  The  sufiferings  they 
endured  were  terrible.  They  gave  their  hves  by  the 
thousands  for  the  religion  they  loved.  Deaths  at  the 
stake,  by  drowning  or  strangulation  were  almost  daily 
occurrences.  The  awful  story  of  suffering  endured  by 
these  innocent  people  for  conscience'  sake  makes  one  of 
the  darkest  pages  in  modern  history. 

But  even  the  bloody  hand  of  persecution  could  not 
silence  these  heroic  men.  Imprisonments,  scourgings 
and  threats  of  death  did  not  quench  their  ardor.  They 
went  about  the  country,  preaching,  protesting  against 
unjust  interference  with  natural  rights  on  the  part  of 
church  and  state,  and  everywhere  exhorting  sinners 
to  repentance.  One  of  the  greatest  of  these  was  Ernst 
Christoph  Hochmann,  who  represented  the  best  ele- 
ment of  Pietism.  He  exercised  great  influence  upon 
Alexander  Mack,  who  was  to  become  the  first  leader 
of  the  German  Baptist  Brethren.  They  traveled  to- 
gether over  many  parts  of  Germany,  holding  evangel- 
istic meetings,  song  and  prayer  services,  in  which  they 
strove  to  give  the  Word  of  God  in  all  its  purity  to 
the  people.  Both  were  powerful  preachers,  men  of 
wealth  and  culture,  whose  powers  had  been  developed 
and  matured  by  good  education  and  varied  experi- 
ences. They  were  in  perfect  accord  and  sympathy. 
They  preached  the  same  doctrine — the  principles 
which  afterwards  Mack  at  least  practiced.  Hochmann 
had  been  bred  a  Lutheran  and  Mack  a  Reformed,  or 
Presbyterian,  but  both  had  ceased  to  be  in  accord  with 
their  mother  churches  and  strove  for  a  fuller  life  of 
the  spirit. 

4 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 

In  1702,  Hochmann  was  imprisoned  in  the  castle  at 
Detmold  by  Count  zur  Lippe-Detmold  for  over-free 
statements  about  the  state  churches.  As  a  condition  to 
regaining  his  hberty  he  wrote  out  his  confession  of 
faith,  which  may  be  taken  as  a  statement  of  the  prin- 
ciples held  in  common  by  himself  and  Mack.  This 
document,  next  to  the  Bible,  was  the  most  important 
influence  that  led  to  the  organization  of  the  German 
Baptist  or  Dunker  church.  Because  of  its  importance 
and  direct  bearing  upon  our  early  history,  I  have 
translated  the  article  entire,  and  will  here  insert  it  for 
the  benefit  of  the  reader.^ 

Copy  of  a  Pietistic  Confession  of  Faith. 

After  it  had  been  announced  to  me  yesterday 
evening  that  his  Gracious  Lordship  had  assented 
to  my  dismissal,  on  condition  that  I  beforehand 
would  give  a  short  confession  of  my  faith,  I  have 
herewith  prepared  such  (an  article)  very  briefly 
as  follows: 

1.  I  believe  one  eternal,  only,  allpowerful,  every- 
where-present God,  as  he  has  revealed  himself  in 
the  Old  Testament  as  the  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac, 
and  Jacob;  in  the  New  Volume,  however,  as  the 
Father,  Son  and  Spirit,  Matt.  28,  v.  19,  and  I  do  not 
find  it  in  my  soul  necessary  to  dispute  or  criticise 
much  about  it:  but  I  regard  it  better  to  submit 
one's  self  humbly  to  this  eternal  Godly  Being  in  the 
Father,  Son,  and  Spirit  and  to  experience  his  inner 
workings,  as  the  Father  reveals  the  Son  inwardly 
and  the  Son  again  the  Father,  and  this  through 
the  powerful  operations  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  with- 


'  From  a  copy  In  the  library  of  the  Pennsylvania  Historical 
Society. 

s 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

out  which  nothing  can  be  known  in  divine  things, 
and  this  is  also  alone  the  eternal  life,  that  one  should 
know  aright  this  one  God  as  Christ  says,  John 
xvii.  3,  and  that  I  may  explain  myself  briefly  in 
regard  to  this,  I  profess  to  the  ancient  Ausselic 
Creed,  Credo  in  Deum,  etc. 

2.  In  regard  to  baptism,  I  believe  that  Christ 
instituted  it  alone  for  the  grown  up  and  not  for 
the  little  children,  because  one  can  not  find  in  the 
entire  holy  Scripture  one  iota  of  an  express  com- 
mand about  it ;  for  arguments  and  good  opinions 
will  not  be  sufficient  on  these  points,  but  there 
must  be  express  commands  spoken  by  God  or 
Christ,  as  there  is  an  express  command  about  the 
circumcision  of  Israelitish  children. 

3.  In  regard  to  the  Lord's  Supper,  I  believe  that 
it  was  instituted  only  for  the  chosen  disciples  of 
Christ,  who,  by  renunciation  of  all  worldly  things, 
follow  Christ  Jesus  in  deed  and  truth ;  and  that 
the  covenant  of  God  will  be  much  reviled  and  his 
anger  inflamed  over  the  whole  community,  if  the 
godless  children  of  the  world  are  admitted  to  the 
love  feast  of  the  Lord,  as  is  done  alas!  at  the  pres- 
ent time. 

4.  Concerning  the  full  coming  of  the  Spirit,  I 
believe  that,  although  I  have  been  conceived  and 
born  of  sinful  seed,  I  may  still  be  sanctified  through 
Jesus  Christ,  not  only  justly  but  also  completely, 
so  that  no  more  sin  shall  remain  in  me  when  I 
shall  have  come  to  full  stature  in  Christ.  But  I 
do  not  yet  boast  that  I  have  attained  perfection, 
but  I  acknowledge  with  Paul  that  I  will  try  to  at- 
tain it  with  all  earnestness  and  zeal  and  will  conse- 
crate myself  to  God  and  the  Lamb  for  his  complete 
service;  but  that  one  can  become  perfect  is  to  be 
proven  from  the  Holy  Scripture  on  all  pages:  I 
cite  however  this  time  only  this  one  very  significant 

6 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


proverb,  Heb.  vii.  25,  according  to  the  Piscator 
version.  He  can  therefore  also  make  perfectly 
blessed  those  who  come  to  God  through  him,  who 
is  ever  living  to  intercede  for  them.  It  is  surely 
not  enough  that  a  great  redemption  should  be 
made  for  me  through  Christ,  but  this  redemption 
from  sin,  death,  devil  and  hell  must  be  made  with- 
in the  soul  by  the  son  of  the  living  God  and  his 
precious  mediatorial  office,  so  that  not  only  the 
prophetic  and  high-priestly  but  also  that  which  is 
kingly  must  powerfully  manifest  itself  in  the  soul, 
even  to  the  attainment  of  the  perfect  likeness  of 
God,  and  Christ  must  take  within  us  a  spiritual 
form,  and  if  this  does  not  take  place  actively  in 
the  soul  through  Christ  during  life,  one  can  not 
attain  to  the  contemplation  of  God  after  death,  for 
without  sanctification  no  one  will  see  God ;  for 
whoever  has  this  hope — to  attain  to  the  contempla- 
tion of  God — he  must  purify  himself,  as  he  also  is 
pure.    1  John  iii.  3. 

5.  Concerning  the  office  of  the  Spirit  I  believe 
that  Christ,  who  is  the  head  of  the  church,  alone 
can  appoint  teachers  and  preachers  and  give  them 
the  qualifications  therefor ;  and  no  being  except 
the  Christ,  risen  above  all  heavens  and  fulfilling 
everything,  has  appointed  some  apostles,  some  how- 
ever, evangelists,  some  prophets,  some  pastors  and 
teachers,  so  that  the  saints  may  be  preparecl  for 
the  work  of  the  ministry.  Ephesians  iv.  10,  11, 
Acts  XX.  28,  state  expressly  that  the  Holy  Ghost 
(N.  B.  and  not  man)  had  appointed  them  bishops 
to  pasture  the  congregation  of  God,  which  he  had 
purchased  with  his  own  blood. 

6.  Concerning  authority  I  believe  that  there  is 
in  the  kingdom  of  nature  a  divine  order,  to  which 
I  also  gladly  submit  in  all  civil  matters  according 
to  the  teaching  of  Paul,  Rom.  xiii.  1,  7.    On  the 

7 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


other  hand,  however,  to  those  that  strive  against 
God's  Word  and  my  conscience,  or  the  freedom  of 
Christ,  I  grant  no  power ;  for  it  is  said :  We  ought 
to  obey  God,  etc.,  Acts  v.  29,  and  if  anything  should 
be  charged  against  God  and  my  conscience  I 
should  rather  sufifer  unjust  force,  than  act  con- 
trary to  this  and  I  pray  that  God  may  not  reckon 
it  against  those  magistrates,  but  may  convert  them ; 
but  this  I  declare  further,  that  the  essential  polit- 
ical power  is  in  no  sense  a  Christ;  for  the  Turk  at 
Constantinople  and  the  Pope  at  Rome  are  true 
magistrates  in  the  realm  of  nature,  but  they  are 
not  for  this  reason  Christians ;  for  where  a  magis- 
trate shall  receive  from  me  the  very  venerable  title 
of  Christian,  I  must  perceive  in  him  that  he  has  the 
spirit  of  Christ,  or  else  I  say  with  Saint  Paul,  Rom. 
viii.  9,  who  has  not  the  spirit  of  Christ  is  not  his 
and  therefore  not  a  Christian  power ;  but  I  consider 
and  regard  them  as  heathen  powers,  which  how- 
ever will  soon  have  reached  their  time,  because  I 
have  been  infallibly  convinced  out  of  God's  Word 
that  the  glorious  Christ  sitting  at  the  Father's 
right  hand  will  soon  break  in  and  thrust  all  the 
heathen  powers  from  their  seats,  and  according  to 
the  prophecy  of  Holy  Mary  will  raise  the  lowly, 
for  the  scepter  of  Christ  will  destroy  and  break 
to  pieces  all  other  animal  kingdoms,  Dan,  ii.  44. 
Indeed  the  Lamb  will  overthrow  the  beast  and  its 
horns,  as  is  stated  distinctly  in  Apoc.  xvii.  14.  These 
will  strive  with  the  Lamb  and  the  Lamb  will  over- 
throw them,  for  he  is  the  Lord  of  all  lords  and  the 
King  of  all  kings,  and  with  the  called  and  chosen 
and  the  believers ;  and  because  the  kingdom  of 
Christ  is  now  so  near  at  hand,  I  confess  that  I,  as 
a  spiritual  statistician,  have  learned  from  God's 
Word  to  reflect  more  upon  the  rising  sun  of 
justice  than  upon  the  high  powers  of  the  world 

8 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


soon  to  depart ;  for  that  will  last  into  the  eternity 
of  eternities,  but  these  will  soon  have  reached  their 
limit  by  the  great  impending  judgments  of  God. 

7.  Finally,  what  pertains  to  the  redemption  of 
damned  men,  I  do  not  see  how  this  is  the  place  to 
carry  it  out,  because  it  requires  a  very  detailed  de- 
duction if  it  is  to  be  distinctly  and  clearly  under- 
stood;  only  this  will  I  add  briefly,  that  as  in  Adam 
all  men  have  fallen,  so  also  must  all  men  be  born 
again  through  the  other  Adam,  Jesus  Christ ;  if 
this  were  not  so  it  would  necessarily  follow  that 
Christ  were  not  powerful  enough  to  restore  the 
human  race  which  was  lost  through  Adam  and  in 
this  connection  the  chapter  to  the  Romans  can  be 
read  and  from  this  may  be  seen  how  the  restora- 
tion in  the  mediatorship  of  Christ  has  been  much 
stronger  and  more  mighty  than  the  fall  of  sin  in 
Adam.  1  Cor.  xv.  22  states  explicitly:  As  in  Adam 
all  die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive; 
but,  as  has  been  said,  this  matter  can  not  possibly 
be  carried  out  in  accordance  with  its  importance, 
but  it  requires  a  word-of-mouth  deliverance,  if  all 
the  objections  and  doubts  pertaining  to  it  are  to  be 
explained  from  God's  Word ;  and  because  these  are 
the  most  important  points  which  are  at  the  present 
day  questions  of  controversy,  I  have  desired  to  draw 
them  up  briefly  herewith,  and  have  to  hand  them 
over  to  a  high  magistrate  of  the  land  with  the  added 
hearty  wish  that  God  the  Almighty  may  power- 
fully light  them  up  with  his  light  from  above;  and 
since  I  perhaps  may  have  no  opportunity  to  ap- 
pear before  the  high  authority  of  this  land  ;  I  there- 
fore give  herewith  my  due,  humble  thanks  to  God 
the  Almighty  and  also  to  my  most  gracious  master 
for  everything  good  which  I  have  enjoyed  during 
my  stay  here.  May  God  who  is  rich  in  mercy  re- 
ward everything  good  done  me,  in  time  and  eterni- 

9 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

ty;  and  may  he  soon  allow  the  earnest  pleadings 
and  prayers  for  the  master  of  this  house,  for  his 
wife  and  the  whole  household  to  be  fulfilled,  so 
that  every  curse  may  be  turned  away  and  that  on 
the  other  hand  the  spiritual  blessings  of  God  may 
be  revealed  therein.  And  although  I  may  not  be 
present  in  this  land  or  house  any  more  after  this, 
I  shall  not  leave  off  continuing  my  heartfelt 
prayers  to  God  the  Father  of  spirits  of  all  flesh 
for  the  soul  of  the  most  beloved  Frederick  Adolph, 
and  as  long  as  I  live  I  remain  the  most  humble 
intercessor  for  the  Count's  whole  house. 

E.  C.  H.  v.  H. 

In  the  Castle  Detmold  in  the 
Month  of  November,  1702. 

This  confession  of  Hochmann's  deserves  considera- 
tion for  several  reasons.  It  will  be  observed  that  it 
was  written  six  years  before  the  organization  of  the 
German  Baptist  Church  in  1708.  There  is  no  doubt 
that  it  represented  the  views  held  by  Mack  as  fully 
as  it  does  those  of  its  author.  In  all  essentials  of 
doctrine  they  were  perfectly  agreed.  Only  in  one  in- 
stance is  there  evidence  of  a  divergence  of  views,  and 
this  arose  rather  from  expediency  than  from  principle. 
In  regard  to  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  Mack  declared 
openly  and  unreservedly  for  immersion;  Hochmann 
would  have  been  satisfied  with  pouring.  Both  required 
the  three-fold  act.  Hochmann's  preference  for  pour- 
ing was  as  a  matter  of  expediency,  to  avoid  a  fixed 
form,  for  it  was  because  of  formalism  that  he  had  been 
so  long  and  so  mercilessly  persecuted.  He  later  wrote, 
"  I  have  no  objection  if  any  man  for  the  sake  of  con- 

10 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


science  wants  to  be  completely  immersed."  In  meth- 
ods of  work  these  two  men  frequently  disagreed,  and 
it  was  this,  as  we  shall  see,  that  separated  them  when 
the  church  of  the  Brethren  was  organized. 

To  indicate  further  the  importance  of  this  tract  and 
its  influence  in  the  early  history  of  the  church,  let  us 
step  forward  eleven  years  from  its  composition.  This 
was  in  1713,  five  years  after  the  organization  at 
Schwarzenau.  The  infant  church  was  prospering: 
the  pious  and  holy  Hves  of  the  first  members  were 
attracting  others  into  the  fold.  Among  these  was  a 
large  number  of  Pietists  and  Separatists  who  desired 
to  be  admitted  into  church  fellowship  without  being 
required  to  observe  the  ordinances  of  the  church. 
Mack  at  once  set  about  to  prepare  a  manual  of  the 
principles  and  usages  of  the  church,  which  he  entitled, 
"  A  Brief  and  simple  Exposition  of  the  Outward  but 
still  Sacred  Rites  and  Ordinances  of  the  House  of 
God." 

This  little  book  has  been  exceedingly  popular  all 
through  the  two  hundred  years  of  the  church's  history, 
and  has  been  extensively  circulated  and  read.  Chris- 
topher Sower  printed  it  in  1774,  an  English  edition 
was  printed  in  Philadelphia  in  1810,  and  recently,  in 
1888,  the  Brethren  Publishing  House,  now  at  Elgin, 
Illinois,  brought  out  a  large  edition.  Many  persons 
who  read  this  will  have  copies  of  this  last  edition  and 
will  doubtless  take  interest  in  tracing  the  parallels  be- 
tween Mack's  work  and  the  Confession  of  Hochmann, 
as  given  above.  Mack's  Rites  and  Ordinances  is  sim- 
ply giving  expression  in  another  way  and  with  con- 

11 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

siderable  expansion  and  elaboration  to  what  Hoch- 
mann  had  expressed  in  outHne.  Not  that  it  is  in  any 
sense  a  repetition  of  the  other,  however,  as  I  take  it; 
except  in  so  far  as  men  holding  similar  views  must 
necessarily  reflect  each  other  in  giving  expression  to 
them.  The  similarity  was,  without  doubt,  unnoticed 
by  the  writer. 

What  invests  Hochmann's  Confession  with  especial 
interest  is  the  fact  of  its  priority.  It  is,  in  point  of 
time,  the  first  work  in  existence  to  express  in  concise 
form  the  leading  facts  of  the  Dunker  faith.  The  prob- 
ability that  Hochmann,  late  in  life,  was  baptized  by 
Alexander  Mack  and  thus  became  a  member  of  the 
Brethren  church  adds  an  additional  feature  of  interest. 
If  this  is  so,  the  Confession  may  be  regarded  as  the 
first  piece  of  literary  work  of  this  fraternity. 

The  evidence  in  regard  to  Hochmann's  membership 
is  not  quite  conclusive,  however.  It  is  known  that  he 
worshiped  with  the  Brethren  on  numerous  occasions. 
As  he  lived  in  Schwarzenau  from  before  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  church  in  1708  till  his  death  in  1721,  he 
was  in  constant  association  with  the  members  of  the 
Schwarzenau  congregation.  The  evidence  in  regard 
to  his  membership  is  as  follows : 

1.  He  was  in  full  accord  with  the  doctrines  and  be- 
liefs of  the  church. 

2.  He  was  currently  reported  to  have  been  baptized 
at  Schwarzenau  by  Alexander  Mack. 

3.  He  worshiped  frequently  with  the  Brethren  at 
Schwarzenau. 

12 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 

4.  Goebel  says  of  him  that  he  "  upheld  the  hand  of 
brotherly  love  with  the  Taufers." 

5.  He  preached  on  a  certain  occasion  at  one  of  the 
meetings  of  the  German  Baptists  in  Switzerland,  when 
Alexander  Mack  was  present. 

6.  Alexander  Mack,  Jr.,^  late  in  life,  in  making  a 
list  of  important  people  that  he  had  known,  names 
"  Brother  Hochmann  von  Hochenau."  In  this  list 
Mack  does  not  call  any  one  "  Brother  "  who  was  not 
a  member  of  the  German  Baptist  church,  unless  Hoch- 
mann be  the  exception ;  and  the  list  includes  about  two 
hundred  names. 

7.  Dr.  M.  G.  Brumbaugh,  in  his  History  of  the 
Brethren,  includes  his  name  in  a  list  of  255  persons 
who  joined  the  church  in  Europe. 

Whether  he  was  a  member  of  the  church  of  the 
Brethren  or  not  we  may  never  know  positively ;  the 
probabilities  are  that  he  was.  He  was  not  of  the  lead- 
ers, however,  and  if  he  joined  it  was  late  in  life,  when 
his  years  of  activity  and  greatest  usefulness  had  been 
largely  spent.  At  all  events  his  thinking  has  left  a 
deep  impress  upon  our  history,  and  his  association 
with  Alexander  Mack  was  an  important  factor  in  the 
genesis  of  the  church. 

The  frequent  heart  to  heart  talks  by  these  two  godly 
men  about  the  religious  condition  of  the  time,  their 
prolonged  conferences  in  regard  to  the  ordinances  and 
how  they  should  be  observed,  and  their  studious 
searching  of  the  Scriptures  after  God's  will  in  all 
th  ings  as  therein  revealed, — these  things  gave  the  first 


'  Brumbaugh's  History  of  the  Brethren,  page  25. 

13 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

draft,  so  to  speak,  of  the  religious  principles  to  be  taken 
as  a  standard  by  the  new  congregation. 

The  religious  position  of  both  these  stalwart  men, 
however,  was  unsatisfactory.  They  could  not  find  fel- 
lowship in  any  of  the  established  churches,  and  to  re- 
main simply  Separatists  was  to  be  deprived  of  the  ordi- 
nances of  God's  house  and  of  the  means  of  spiritual 
growth  afforded  thereby.  Hochmann's  mystical  tenden- 
cies enabled  him  to  halt  here,  but  Mack's  greater  reso- 
luteness would  not  let  him  be  satisfied  with  anything 
short  of  an  organization  in  which  he  could  practice  the 
rites  and  ordinances  of  the  New  Testament  as  he  under- 
stood them.  And  this  brings  me  now  to  the  interesting 
story  of  the  organization  of  the  German  Baptist 
Brethren,  or  Dunker  church. 

This  memorable  event  took  place  in  the  year  1708. 
After  prolonged  searching  of  the  Scriptures  and  many 
pray t-' 5.  eight  pious  souls  covenanted  together  to  or- 
ganize themselves  into  a  body  for  the  purpose  of  observ- 
ing the  ordinances  of  God's  house.  Their  natural  lead- 
er was  Alexander  Mack,  who  had  been  a  noted  evangel- 
ist before  this,  and  who  was  chosen  as  the  first  min- 
ister of  the  new  organization.  As  their  study  and  re- 
search had  convinced  them  that  trine  immersion  was 
the  baptism  taught  in  the  New  Testament,  their  first 
duty  was  the  administration  of  this  rite,  which  they 
desired  their  leader  to  perform.  This  he  declined  to 
do  as  he  had  not  been  immersed  himself.  He  therefore 
required  to  be  immersed  before  administering  the  rite 
to  others.  Accordingly  they  betook  themselves  to  fast- 
ing and  prayer  for  divine  guidance,  after  which  they 

14 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


cast  lots  to  determine  which  of  the  other  four  men 
should  administer  this  rite  to  him.  This  done,  the 
company  of  eight  silently  wended  their  way  down  to 
the  river  Eder,  that  winds  its  meandering  course 
through  the  little  village  of  Schwarzenau.  Here  on 
the  green  bank,  early  in  the  morning,  prayers  were 
made,  and  then  he  upon  whom  the  lot  had  fallen  led 
the  pious  Mack  into  the  water  and  immersed  him  three 
times  face  forward;  after  which  he  in  turn  admin- 
istered the  same  rite  to  each  of  the  remaining  seven. 
Thus  was  organized  the  German  Baptist  Brethren 
church,  by  the  ordinance  of  baptism  as  practiced  in  the 
time  of  the  apostles. 

The  eight  persons  forming  this  organization  were 
Alexander  Mack  of  Schriesheim,  in  the  Palatinate; 
George  Grebi,  from  Hesse  Cassel ;  Lucas  Vetter,  from 
Hessenland;  Andreas  Bone  of  Basle,  in  Switzerland; 
Johannes  Kipping  of  Bariet,  in  Wurtemburg;  Anna 
Margaretha  Mack,  (wife  of  Alexander  Mack)  ;  Jo- 
hanna Nothigerin  Bonisin,  (wife  of  Andreas  Bone); 
and  Johanna  Kippinger.  These  are  the  original  forms 
of  the  names.  For  the  convenience  of  all  I  give  the 
names  also  in  the  Anglicised  form. 

Alexander  Mack.  George  Greby. 

Anna  Margarite  Mack.  Luke  Vetter. 

Joanna  Noetinger  Bony.  John  Kipping. 

Andrew  Bony.  Joanna  Kipping. 

These  were  not  a  group  of  religious  enthusiasts, 
nor  were  they  led  to  take  this  step  without  careful  and 
prayerful  consideration.  Every  inch  of  the  ground 
they  occupied  they  had  carefully  fortified  by  the  testi- 

15 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

mony  of  history  and  of  the  Inspired  Word.  In  no 
sense  were  they  extremists,  unless  it  was  in  the  ex- 
treme heroism  of  their  action  and  aim — that  of  re- 
estabHshing  the  apostolic  mode  of  worship  after  a 
lapse  of  a  thousand  years. 

Fortunately  we  have  an  account  of  this  most  inter- 
esting transaction  from  the  pen  of  one  who  received 
his  material  at  first  hand.  Five  years  after  this  mem- 
orable beginning,  Alexander  Mack  had  occasion  to 
put  in  written  form,  as  we  have  seen,  the  principles 
of  the  doctrine  he  had  espoused.  This  little  book, 
"  The  Rites  and  Ordinances,"  after  its  first  appearance 
in  Schwarzenau  in  1713,  was  not  reissued  either  in 
Europe  or  America  until  Christopher  Sower  brought 
out  his  German  edition  of  1774.  To  this  edition  Alex- 
ander Mack,  Jr.,  prefaced  an  account  of  the  organi- 
zation as  he  had  received  it  from  his  father.  The 
English  edition  that  appeared  in  Philadelphia  in  1810 
was  a  rather  free  translation  of  the  Sower  print.  I 
quote  from  the  German  edition  of  1774.^ 

It  pleased  the  good  and  merciful  God  near  the  be- 
ginning of  the  present  century  to  prosper  his  saving 
grace,  which  has  appeared  to  all  men,  by  many  warn- 
ing voices  calling  them  to  repent ;  and  he  thereby 
awaked  many  from  the  death  and  sleep  of  sin,  who, 
looking  about  them  for  a  righteous  observance  of 
Christianity,  as  it  is  in  Christ,  were  compelled  to  see 
with  sorrowful  eyes  its  great  decay  in  almost  every 
place. 

Under  these  conditions  they  uttered  many  faithful 


'  Copy  In  the  Bridge-water  College  library. 

16 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


testimonies  of  the  truth,  and  established  here  and  there 
private  meetings  in  addition  to  the  common  church 
organizations,  in  which  the  newly-awaked  souls  sought 
instruction.  As  a  result  of  this,  however,  the  envious 
priesthood  embittered  the  hearts  of  the  rulers,  so  that 
persecutions  were  begun  at  different  places,  namely  in 
Switzerland,  in  Wurtemburg,  in  the  Palatinate,  and  at 
other  places.  To  these  persecuted  exiles  the  Lord 
now  pointed  out  a  place  of  refuge,  or  a  little  village, 
in  Wittgenstein  where,  at  that  time  a  mildly  disposed 
count  was  ruling,  and  where  several  awakened  count- 
esses also  dwelled. 

There  was  liberty  of  conscience  granted  at  Schwar- 
zenau,  which  is  scarcely  an  hour's  journey  from  Berle- 
burg.  From  this  cause,  although  Wittgenstein  is  a 
poor  and  rough  country,  yet  many  of  the  various  kinds 
of  people  came  together  at  Schwarzenau,  and  this 
place,  which  formerly  had  been  but  little  regarded,  was 
now  suddenly  changed  into  an  entirely  different  es- 
tate, so  that  in  a  few  years  it  became  a  place  celebrated 
far  and  wide.  However,  those  who  came  together 
there  because  of  the  persecutions,  although  they  were 
distinguished  by  different  opinions,  and  also  different 
in  manners  and  customs,  yet  they  were  at  first  all 
called  Pietists,  and  among  themselves  they  called  each 
other  Brethren. 

But  very  soon  it  appeared  that  the  words  of  Christ, 
Matthew  18,  where  he  says :  "  But  if  thy  brother  tres- 
pass correct  him  between  thyself  and  him  alone,"  etc., 
could  not  be  reduced  to  a  proper  Christian  practice,  be- 
cause there  was  no  established  Christian  community. 

17 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

Therefore  some  went  back  again  to  the  reUgious  de- 
nominations from  which  they  had  come,  because  they 
could  not  subject  themselves  to  a  stricter  Christian  dis- 
cipline. To  many  the  spirit  of  liberty  seemed  entirely 
too  great,  and  appeared  to  be  more  dangerous  even 
than  the  religious  organizations  which  they  had  left. 

Then  some  felt  themselves  powerfully  drawn  to 
search  out  the  footsteps  of  the  early  Christians,  and  de- 
sired heartily  to  receive  in  faith  the  testimonies  com- 
manded by  Jesus  Christ  according  to  their  true  worth. 
At  the  same  time  it  was  revealed  to  them  strongly 
from  within  how  important  the  obedience  of  faith  is 
to  a  soul  that  desires  to  be  saved.  And  this  revelation 
led  them  at  once  to  the  mystery  of  water  baptism, 
which  appeared  to  them  as  a  door  into  the  church,  the 
thing  for  which  they  were  so  earnestly  seeking.  In 
regard  to  baptism,  however,  this  was  spoken  of  among 
the  Pietists  in  very  different  ways,  and  this  fact  very 
many  times  brought  grief  to  the  souls  of  those  that 
loved  the  truth. 

This  state  of  things  continued  until  the  year  1708, 
when  eight  persons  agreed  with  one  another  to  enter 
into  a  covenant  of  a  good  conscience  with  God,  in 
order  to  take  up  all  the  commandments  of  Jesus  Christ 
as  an  easy  yoke,  and  thus  to  follow  the  Lord  Jesus, 
their  good  and  faithful  shepherd,  in  joy  and  sorrow, 
as  his  true  sheep,  to  a  blessed  end. 

These  eight  persons  were  as  follows ;  namely,  five 
brethren  and  three  sisters.  The  five  brethren  were 
George  Grebi,  of  Hesse  Cassel,  the  first ;  Lucas  Vet- 
ter,  likewise  of  Hessia,  the  second ;  the  third  was  Alex- 

18 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


ander  Mack,  from  the  Palatinate  of  Schreisheim,  be- 
tween Mannheim  and  Heidelberg;  the  fourth  was 
Andreas  Bony,  of  Basle,  in  Switzerland ;  the  fifth,  John 
Kipping,  of  Bareit,  in  Wurtemburg.  The  three  sis- 
ters were  Joanna  Noethiger,  or  Bony,  the  first ;  Anna 
Margaretha  Mack,  the  second ;  and  Joanna  Kipping, 
the  third.  These  eight  persons  bound  themselves  to- 
gether as  brethren  and  sisters  unto  the  covenant  of  the 
cross  of  Jesus  Christ  as  a  church  of  Christian  be- 
lievers. And  when  they  had  found  in  authentic  his- 
tories that  the  early  Christians,  in  the  first  and  second 
centuries,  had  been  planted  into  the  death  of  the  cruci- 
fied Christ  by  a  three-fold  immersion  into  the  watery 
bath  of  holy  baptism,  according  to  the  command  of 
Christ,  they  then  sought  industriously  in  the  New  Tes- 
tament, and  found  everything  in  it  perfectly  harmo- 
nizing with  this  early  practice.  Thereupon  they  were 
possessed  of  a  longing  desire  to  use  this  means  prac- 
ticed and  commanded  by  Christ  himself,  believing  that 
according  to  his  righteous  command,  it  became  them  to 
fulfill  all  righteousness. 

And  now  the  question  arose  as  to  who  should  ad- 
minister the  rite  externally  unto  them.  One  of  their 
number,  who  was  a  leader  in  expounding  the  Word  in 
their  meetings,  had  visited  in  sincere  love  different 
congregations  of  those  who  believed  in  immersion 
(Taufs-gesinnten)  in  various  parts  of  Germany,  the 
most  of  whom  admitted  that  immersion  in  water  was 
indeed  right,  when  employed  out  of  love  to  Christ ; 
but  they  would  also  eagerly  maintain  that  the  pouring 

19 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

of  a  handful  of  cold  water  could  likewise  be  sufficient, 
provided  that  everything  else  were  all  right. 

Such  teaching,  however,  gave  no  satisfaction  to  their 
consciences.  Therefore  they  requested  of  him  who 
was  their  leader  in  expounding  the  Word,  to  be  im- 
mersed on  their  faith,  according  to  the  example  of 
the  earliest  and  best  Christians.  But  he,  regarding 
himself  as  one  who  had  not  been  baptized,  requested 
to  be  baptized  first  by  one  of  them,  before  he  should 
administer  the  rite  to  another.  Therefore  they  decided 
to  unite  in  fasting  and  prayer,  in  order  to  obtain  from 
Christ  himself,  the  founder  of  his  holy  ordinances, 
safe  direction  in  this  matter,  for  he  (who  had  been 
requested  to  baptize  the  others)  wished  to  be  baptized 
by  the  church  of  Christ,  and  the  others  had  the  same 
desire. 

In  this  difficulty  they  were  strengthened  by  the 
words  of  Christ,  who  had  so  truthfully  said :  "  Where 
two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  my  name,  there 
am  I  in  the  midst  of  them."  With  such  confidence  in 
the  precious  and  sure  promises  of  God,  they  cast  lots, 
amidst  fasting  and  prayer,  to  determine  which  of  the 
four  brethren  should  baptize  the  brother  who  so  earn- 
estly desired  to  be  baptized  by  the  church  of  Christ. 
They  pledged  their  word  to  one  another,  however, 
that  no  one  should  ever  reveal  who  had  been  the  first 
among  them  to  administer  the  rite,  so  that  no  one 
should  ever  take  occasion  to  call  them  by  the  name  of 
any  man,  because  they  had  already  found  such  foolish- 
ness reproved  by  Paul  (in  his  writings)  to  the  Corin- 
thians. 

20 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


As  they  were  now  prepared,  the  solitary  eight  went 
out  in  the  loneliness  of  the  morning  to  the  stream 
called  the  Eder,  and  the  brother  upon  whom  the  lot  had 
fallen,  baptized  first  the  brother  who  wished  to  be  bap- 
tized by  the  church  of  Christ.  When  he  was  baptized, 
he  baptized  him  by  whom  he  had  been  baptized,  and 
the  remaining  three  brethren  and  sisters.  Thus  were 
the  eight  all  baptized  at  an  early  hour  of  the  morning. 

After  they  had  all  come  up  out  of  the  water  and 
had  changed  their  garments,  they  were  at  the  same 
time  moved  inwardly  with  great  joyfulness,  and  by 
grace  were  deeply  impressed  with  these  significant 
words :  "  Be  ye  fruitful  and  multiply."  This  took 
place  in  the  year  above  mentioned,  1708.  But  of  the 
month  of  the  year,  or  the  day  of  the  month  or  week, 
they  have  left  us  no  indication. 

After  this  the  above  mentioned  eight  persons  were 
more  and  more  powerfully  strengthened  in  their  obedi- 
ence to  the  faith  they  had  adopted,  and  they  were  en- 
couraged in  their  meetings  to  bear  testimony  publicly 
to  the  truth.  Whereupon  the  Lord  granted  them  his 
special  grace,  so  that  still  more  became  obedient  to 
the  faith.  Thus  within  the  space  of  seven  years,  name- 
ly by  the  year  1715,  not  only  was  there  a  large  church 
at  Schwarzenau,  but  also  here  and  there  in  the  Pal- 
atinate were  found  lovers  of  the  truth.  This  was  es- 
pecially the  case  at  Maricnborn,  where  a  church  had 
assembled ;  for  when  a  body  of  members  in  the  Pala- 
tinate wished  to  organize,  they  were  persecuted ;  then 
they  would  go  to  Marienborn.  When  the  church  there 
became  large,  it  was  also  persecuted.  Then  those  who 

21 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

had  been  persecuted  collected  at  Creyfelt,  under  the 
king  of  Prussia ;  here  they  found  freedom. 

Within  these  seven  years  it  pleased  God  to  awaken 
many  laborers  among  them  and  send  them  into  his  vine- 
yard, among  whom  were  John  Henry  Kalkloser  of 
Frankenthal,  Christian  Libe  and  Abraham  Duboy  of 
Ebstein,  John  Naas  and  others  of  the  North,  Peter 
Becker  of  Dilsheim,  and  to  these  associated  themselves 
also  John  Henry  Traut  and  his  brothers,  Henry  Holt- 
zapple  and  Stephen  Koch.  The  most  of  these  came  in 
these  seven  years  to  Creyfelt.  John  Henry  Kalkloser, 
however,  and  Abraham  Duboy  came  to  Schwarzenau, 
whither  also  came  George  Balser  Gantz  of  Umstadt, 
and  Michael  Eckerling  of  Strasburg. 

But  as  they  found  favor  with  God  and  men  on  the 
one  hand,  so  on  the  other  they  found  enemies  of  the 
truth,  and  persecutions  arose  here  and  there  because 
of  the  Word.  There  were  some  who  joyfully  suffered 
being  robbed  of  their  goods,  others  had  to  endure 
bonds  and  prisons,  some  indeed  for  only  a  few  weeks, 
but  others  for  an  indefinite  number  of  years.  Chris- 
tian Libe  was  chained  on  board  the  galley  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  among  the  evildoers,  and  was  compelled 
to  work  the  oars.  But  by  God's  providence,  they  have 
all  been  delivered  from  these  difficulties  with  a  clear 
conscience. 

This  is  enough  of  the  record  to  give  us  a  clear  un- 
derstanding of  this  very  important  transaction.  The 
rest  tells  of  the  growth  of  the  church  and  of  the  perse- 
cutions that  followed.  Heroic  men  and  women  they 
were  that  formed  this  first  nucleus  of  the  organiza- 

22 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


tion — ^men  and  women  who  were  willing  to  stake  their 
all  on  what  they  believed  to  be  right.  They  were  not 
acting  from  caprice  or  following  an  impulse  of  ex- 
citement when  they  took  this  all-important  step ;  nei- 
ther had  they  led  sinful  lives  and  were  suddenly  con- 
verted. They  had  all  been  members  of  churches  before 
1708,  and  were  driven  to  this  act  by  quickened  con- 
sciences because  they  could  find  no  organization  that 
taught  and  practiced  the  divine  ordinances  as  given  in 
the  New  Testament.  Mack,  Greby,  Bony,  and  Vetter 
had  been  members  of  the  Reformed  church ;  Kipping 
was  a  Lutheran.  Following  the  principles  of  Erasmus 
in  the  days  of  Luther,  they  had  sought  to  correct  the 
abuses  from  within  the  church,  but  at  length  gave  up 
the  eflfort  as  impossible.  So  the  only  thing  left  them 
was  to  form  a  new  organization  based  upon  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  New  Testament  as  careful  study  and  di- 
vine guidance  had  interpreted  them  to  them.  This  they 
proceeded  to  do  in  the  manner  that  we  have  seen. 

After  the  organization  the  church  was  wonderfully 
blessed  of  God.  The  membership  increased  rapidly, 
and  branch  congregations  were  established  at  various 
places.  In  a  few  years  there  were  organized  churches, 
in  addition  to  the  mother  church  at  Schwarzenau,  in 
Marienborn,  Epstein,  Creyfelt,  Surestervain,  and  in 
several  parts  of  Switzerland  and  Holland.  It  is  not 
possible  to  follow  those  congregations  in  detail,  how- 
ever, as  persecutions  constantly  drove  the  members 
from  one  place  to  another,  so  that  the  same  persons 
are  frequently  found  in  several  congregations  near  the 
same  time. 

23 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


At  times  whole  congregations  were  driven  out  and 
went  almost  bodily  to  a  new  location.  This  was  the 
case  in  1715  when  the  church  at  Marienborn  fled  for 
protection  to  Creyfelt.  Again  in  1720  the  Schwar- 
zenau  congregation  found  life  intolerable  in  their  orig- 
inal church  home  and  the  whole  body  of  members 
escaped  into  West  Friesland.  Generally,  however,  the 
persecutions  in  the  new  position  were  no  less  severe 
than  those  from  which  they  had  fled.  In  1714  certain 
members  of  a  Reformed  congregation  near  Creyfelt 
became  dissatisfied  with  the  practices  of  the  church  as 
regards  the  mode  of  baptism,  and  also  as  to  the  va- 
lidity of  infant  baptism.  As  a  result  they  applied  to  the 
Taufers  at  Creyfelt  for  membership  and  were  received 
into  the  church  by  trine  immersion.  This  led  to  great 
confusion.  The  synods  of  the  state  churches  made 
loud  protestations.  The  civil  government  took  the 
matter  in  hand  and  summoned  the  six  persons  before 
the  court  to  answer  for  their  actions.  The  judge  was 
a  Catholic,  and  the  six  persons  were  condemned  and 
thrown  into  prison  at  Diisseldorf.  They  were  sen- 
tenced to  hard  labor,  and  for  four  long  years  they 
suflfered  all  kinds  of  privations  and  hardships  for  con- 
science' sake.  This  is  but  one  of  the  numerous  in- 
stances that  might  be  cited  of  the  persecution  and  un- 
just treatment  they  constantly  endured. 

That  these  persecutions  were  in  no  sense  de- 
served, but  sprang  from  prejudice  and  spiritual  blind- 
ness is  attested  by  a  state  document  of  the  time.  The 
governor  of  the  Schwarzenau  district  in  1720,  in 
preparing  his  official  report  to  the  Imperial  Treasurer 

24 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


took  occasion  to  observe  that  "  for  a  while  pious  peo- 
ple have  been  Hving  here,  of  whom  we  never  heard 
anything  evil.  They  kept  themselves  very  quiet  and  re- 
tired and  no  man  ever  made  any  complaint  of  them. 
Lately  forty  families  of  them,  about  200  persons,  have 
moved  out  of  the  country."^ 

It  will  be  observed  that  this  was  written  the  very 
year  in  which  the  church  fled  from  Schwarzenau  to 
West  Friesland.  This  shows  how  prejudice  controlled 
the  actions  even  of  generous  minded  rulers  and  al- 
lowed persecutions  to  be  inflicted  on  innocent  people 
with  whom  they  found  no  fault  and  whose  conduct 
was  above  reproach. 

The  number  of  members  in  Europe  will  never  be 
known.  That  they  were  numerous  is  certain.  The 
largest  list  yet  made  contains  only  two  hundred  and 
fifty-five  names  f  but  it  is  evident  that  this  is  but  a 
fraction  of  the  whole  number. 

To  live  out  consistently  in  Germany  the  principles 
of  the  German  Baptists  during  the  first  half  of  the 
eighteenth  century  was  nearly  if  not  altogether  impos- 
sible. The  persecution  that  the  members  had  to  endure 
operated  in  one  or  the  other  of  two  directions :  it 
either  drove  them  out  of  Europe  or  persecuted  them 
back  into  their  former  ways,  or,  it  may  be  added,  into 
infidelity. 

Amidst  their  hardships  it  is  not  remarkable  that 
they  looked  with  longing  eyes  towards  America;  and 
it  was  here  that  they  first  found  that  spiritual  freedom 

» Ooebel's  Oeschlchtp  des  Chrlstllchen  Lebens. 
'Brumbaugh's  History  of  the  Brethren. 

2o 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

which  their  souls  so  much  longed  for.  The  first  group 
came  in  1719.  They  were  a  part  of  the  Creyfelt  con- 
gregation, consisting  of  about  twenty  families.  Peter 
Becker  was  their  leader.  He  was  a  minister  in  Ger- 
many and  became  the  first  elder  among  the  Brethren 
in  the  New  World.  He  was  not  a  great  preacher  but 
was  a  man  of  deep  piety,  and  a  gifted  singer. 

The  voyage  is  said  to  have  been  a  stormy  one,  but 
definite  information  in  regard  to  it  is  almost  entirely 
wanting.  They  landed  at  Philadelphia  and  then  moved 
on  to  Germantown,  a  place  with  which  they,  as  a  peo- 
ple, have  been  inseparably  connected  from  that  time 
to  the  present.  Here  the  first  congregation  in  Amer- 
ica was  organized.  Here  was  erected  the  first  church 
building  among  the  Brethren  in  the  New  World. ^  It 
is  still  used  as  a  Brethren  church  and  is  in  good  re- 
pair. Here  was  the  first  great  printing  establishment 
(the  Sower  press),  and  the  first  centre  of  missionary 
and  Hterary  activity  among  them.  This  was  the  first 
centre,  and  from  here  they  moved  out  to  form  other 
settlements.  Very  soon  some  of  them  had  located  in 
the  Skippack  valley,  at  Falckner's  Swamp,  and  at 
Oley. 

Ten  years  after  this  first  group  had  established 
themselves  in  Pennsylvania,  the  original  Schwarzenau 
congregation,  which  had  fled  to  West  Friesland  in 
1720  to  escape  persecution,  decided  to  cast  their  lot 
with  their  brethren  in  the  New  World.  This  was  the 
mother  church,  and  Alexander  Mack  had  been  their 
pastor  and  leader  all  the  while.   As  we  have  seen,  the 


»Bunt  in  1770. 


26 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


entire  congregation  fled  with  him  from  Schwarzenau 
to  Friesland.  Now  in  their  last  elifort  to  find  spiritual 
freedom  their  ranks  still  remained  unbroken.  The 
entire  congregation  came,  consisting  of  fifty-nine  fam- 
ilies, one  hundred  and  twenty-six  souls  in  all. 

They  sailed  from  Rotterdam  July  7,  1729,  in  the 
ship  Allen,  under  the  command  of  James  Craigie. 
They  touched  at  Cowes,  and  after  a  stormy  voyage 
of  seventy-one  days  landed  at  Philadelphia,  Sept.  15. 
Here  they  took  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  King  George 
II.  and  became  British  subjects. 

Mack  and  his  company  were  received  at  German- 
town  with  great  rejoicing.  The  church  there  was 
strengthened  and  encouraged  as  never  before.  The 
newcomers  found  at  last  a  home  of  rest  from  their 
wanderings  and  persecutions,  and  were  happy  in  the 
associations  of  their  brethren.  Bishop  Mack  at  once 
assumed  the  leadership  and  direction  of  the  church  at 
Germantown,  over  which  he  presided  with  great  wis- 
dom and  skill  until  his  death  in  1735. 

After  the  emigration  of  the  Schwarzenau  congrega- 
tion from  West  Friesland  to  Germantown  in  1729,  the 
chief  centre  of  the  German  Baptists  in  Europe  was  at 
Creyfelt.  Here  Elder  John  Naas  had  been  the  leader 
and  had  built  up  a  strong  church  but  now  Elder  Chris- 
tian Libe  was  in  charge.  The  members  were  continu- 
ally harassed  by  persecutions  and  oppressions,  so  that 
the  church  did  not  increase.  In  fact  ever  since  the  de- 
parture of  that  first  group  for  America  in  1719,  under 
Peter  Becker,  their  strength  had  gradually  declined. 

In  1733  Elder  Naas  with  a  small  group  of  members 
27 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

also  came  to  America.  He  was  the  last  really  strong 
leader  in  Europe,  and  after  his  departure  the  work 
there  gradually  dwindled  away.  Christian  Libe,  the 
only  elder  now  remaining  in  Europe,  was  not  cast  in 
the  heroic  mold.  He  found  the  persecutions  greater 
than  he  could  endure.  He  lost  interest  in  the  work  of 
the  church,  gave  up  the  struggle  to  live  a  godly  life, 
and  became  a  wine  merchant.  The  members  gradu- 
ally fell  away  or  died  so  that  in  twenty-five  years  after 
the  church  had  been  established,  organized  efifort  in 
Europe  was  at  an  end. 

Thanks  be  to  God,  however,  in  the  meantime  it  had 
been  firmly  planted  on  American  soil.  The  German- 
town  congregation  was  organized  in  1723  on  Christ- 
mas day.  The  year  following,  two  other  congrega- 
tions were  established ;  one  at  Coventry  in  September, 
and  another  on  the  Conestoga  in  November.  Peter 
Becker,  the  elder  in  charge  at  Germantown,  was  the 
first  minister  to  both.  In  1729  the  White  Oak  congrega- 
tion was  organized  in  Lancaster  county.  In  1732 
Peter  Becker  preached  at  Oley,  baptized  several  mem- 
bers and  organized  them  into  a  congregation.  The 
next  year  Elder  John  Naas  organized  a  church  at  Am- 
well  in  New  Jersey  and  another  at  Great  Swamp,  in 
Bucks  county,  Pennsylvania. 

So  within  fourteen  years  from  the  arrival  of  the  first 
company  under  Peter  Becker,  the  Brethren  church 
had  been  firmly  established  in  several  counties  of 
Pennsylvania  and  in  New  Jersey.  From  these  centres 
it  has  spread  west  and  south  until  churches  have  been 
established  in  most  of  the  states  of  the  Union. 

28 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


It  is  not  the  purpose  of  this  sketch  to  trace  these 
people  further  than  to  their  establishment  in  the  United 
States.  How  this  was  done  we  have  now  seen.  I 
cannot  close  this  chapter,  however,  without  a  state- 
ment of  the  principles  of  the  church  whose  literary 
work  we  are  now  to  investigate. 

The  German  Baptist  Brethren  hold  a  unique  place  in 
history.  They  are  Protestants  in  the  fullest  sense  of 
the  term.  As  the  Protestants  were  originally  those 
that  protested  against  the  oppression  and  corruptions 
of  the  Catholic  church,  in  the  sixteenth  century,  and 
separated  themselves  from  their  communion,  so  the 
German  Baptists  were  those  who  protested  against  the 
oppression,  errors,  and  lack  of  spirituality  in  the  es- 
tablished Protestant  churches  of  the  early  eighteenth 
century.  As  they  could  not  reconcile  the  intolerance 
of  the  churches  with  the  spirit  of  Christ,  or  many  of 
her  practices  with  the  teachings  of  Christ,  they  were 
consequently  without  a  church  home. 

On  the  other  hand  they  could  not  go  full  lengths 
with  the  Pietists,  or  Quakers,  as  they  were  later  called 
in  England,  and  make  Christianity  wholly  a  matter  of 
the  spirit.  So  far  as  the  spirituality  of  worship  is  con- 
cerned ihey  were  at  one  with  the  Pietists,  but  they  felt 
that  this  in  itself  was  not  sufficient.  Their  study  of 
the  Bible  had  taught  them  that  the  ordinances  of  the 
New  Testament  were  given  for  the  followers  of  Christ 
to  observe.  And  they  felt  it  incumbent  upon  them  as 
humble  followers  of  the  Master  to  obey  him  implicitly 
in  all  things. 

So  the  only  course  left  for  them  was  to  organize 
29 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

a  church  in  which  piety  and  spirituaHty  might  have 
free  course,  and  yet  in  which  they  could  practice  all 
the  rites  and  ordinances  taught  in  the  New  Testament. 
These  then  were  the  two  cardinal  principles  that  led 
to  the  organization  of  the  Brethren  church :  spirituality 
in  worship  and  the  observance  of  all  the  ordinances  of 
the  New  Testament. 

They  refused  to  form  a  creed,  lest  they  should  omit 
something  essential,  a  fact  for  which  they  were  once 
commended  by  Benjamin  Franklin.  But  they  adopted 
the  New  Testament  as  their  creed,  and  try  to  follow 
its  teachings  in  all  things.  They  interpret  the  Scrip- 
tures literally,  except  where  a  figurative  interpretation 
is  obviously  intended.  While  exercising  charity  to- 
wards all  and  antagonizing  none,  they  believe  that  the 
Bible  means  just  what  it  says,  and  that  it  is  the  duty 
of  Christian  people  to  obey  its  teachings  in  word  as 
well  as  in  spirit.  They  practice  the  literal  form  of  the 
different  ordinances  at  the  same  time  that  they  seek 
to  obtain  the  spiritual  blessing  from  their  observance. 

Elder  D.  L.  Miller,  editor  of  The  Gospel  Messen- 
ger and  author  of  some  half-dozen  books  of  travel 
and  experience  in  Bible  lands,  has  written  a  tract  set- 
ting forth  the  principles  and  doctrines  of  the  church 
in  a  concise  form.  From  this  I  will  make  some  ex- 
tracts which,  I  am  sure,  will  be  welcome  to  the  reader, 
and  will  form  a  fitting  conclusion  to  this  chapter. 

Faith  and  Practice. 

The  Brethren  hold  the  Bible  to  be  the  inspired  and 
infallible  Word  of  God,  and  accept  the  New  Testa- 

30 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


ment  as  their  rule  of  faith  and  practice.  In  the  sub- 
tleties of  speculative  theology  the  church  takes  but  lit- 
tle interest.  She  is  chiefly  concerned  in  giving  willing 
and  cheerful  obedience  to  the  plain,  simple  command- 
ments of  Christ  Jesus.  The  Brethren  are,  in  every  re- 
spect, evangelical  in  their  faith.  They  believe  in  the 
Trinity,  in  the  divinity  of  Christ  and  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  in  future  rewards  and  punishments.  Faith, 
repentance  and  baptism  are  held  to  be  conditions  of 
salvation.  These  three  constitute  evangelical  conver- 
sion, and  upon  them  rests  the  promise  of  the  forgive- 
ness of  sins  and  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Baptism. 

Baptism  is  administered  by  trine  immersion.  After 
being  instructed  in  the  principles  of  the  Gospel,  and 
having  faithfully  promised  to  observe  the  same,  the  ap- 
plicant is  taken  down  into  the  water,  and,  kneeling, 
reaffirms  his  faith  in  Christ  and  promises  to  live  faith- 
ful until  death.  He  is  then  baptized  for  the  remission 
of  his  sins,  into  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  the  administrator  im- 
mersing the  applicant  face  forward  at  the  mention  of 
each  name  in  the  Trinity.  The  administrator  then  lays 
his  hands  on  the  head  of  the  kneeling  candidate  and 
offers  a  brief  prayer  in  behalf  of  the  one  baptized,  and 
he  arises  to  be  greeted  as  a  brother,  with  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship  and  the  kiss  of  love,  to  walk  in 
newness  of  life. 

The  Brethren  follow  closely  the  practice  of  the  apos- 
tolic church,  and  admit  none  into  fellowship  until 

31 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


they  have  been  baptized.  In  the  language  of  Peter 
to  the  Pentccostians  they  tell  all  believers  to  "  repent, 
and  be  baptized  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  for  the 
remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Ghost."  Acts  2:  38.  Holding  that  baptism  is 
only  for  believers,  and  those  who  have  repented,  they 
oppose  infant  baptism.  Infants  can  neither  believe 
nor  repent,  hence  they  are  not  proper  subjects  for  bap- 
tism. Christ  having  sufficiently  atoned  for  them,  all 
children  who  die  before  coming  to  a  knowledge  of 
good  and  evil  will  be  saved. 

In  defense  of  trine  immersion  they  hold  that  the 
great  commission,  given  by  Christ,  and  recorded  in 
Matt.  28 :  19,  Revised  Version,  "  Baptizing  them  into 
the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,"  teaches  a  threefold  action.  As  there 
are  three  persons  in  the  Trinity,  each  one  of  the  Divine 
Three  is  honored  in  this  form  of  baptism.  As  the  three 
Persons  constitute  one  God,  and  a  belief  in  each  of 
these  one  faith,  so  the  three  dippings  constitute  one 
baptism.  In  favor  of  their  practice  they  have  the 
testimony  of  all  Greek  scholars,  who  have  examined 
the  subject,  the  practice  of  the  entire  Greek  church, 
and  reliable  history.  These  all  show  that  trine  im- 
mersion was  the  almost  universal  mode  of  baptism  for 
centuries  succeeding  the  apostolic  age.  Changes  were 
gradually  made  from  trine  immersion  to  sprinkling, 
but  the  church  that  made  the  change,  the  Roman  Cath- 
olic, still  retains  the  three  actions  in  applying  water  to 
the  candidate.  Nearly  all  the  Protestant  churches  that 
practice  sprinkling  retain  the  same  form,  thus  testify- 

32 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 

ing  to  the  truth  that  the  commission  teaches  a  three- 
fold action  in  baptism.  Their  baptism  is  accepted  as 
valid  by  all  religious  denominations  of  any  note  what- 
ever. 

The  Agape,  or  Feast  of  Love. 

The  evening  before  his  death,  our  Blessed  Master, 
after  having  washed  his  disciples'  feet,  ate  a  supper 
with  them  and  instituted,  in  connection  with  this  sacred 
meal,  the  Communion, — the  bread  and  cup.  The  apos- 
tles, led  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  followed  the  example  of 
their  Great  Leader  and  introduced  the  agape  into  the 
apostolic  church.  This  feast  of  love,  of  which  all  the 
Christians  partook,  was  a  full  meal,  was  eaten  in  the 
evening,  and  is  called  by  the  apostle  Paul  the  Lord's 
Supper.  The  Communion  of  the  bread  and  wine  was 
given  in  connection  with  this  meal.  The  love-feast 
was  kept  up  in  the  primitive  church  for  four  centuries, 
but  as  the  church  grew  in  numbers  and  wealth,  it  lost 
its  first  love  and  spirit  of  fraternity,  and  the  feasts 
of  love  were  discontinued.  The  Brethren,  in  their  re- 
formatory movement  in  1708  restored  these  love-feasts, 
and  in  this  particular  still  follow  the  example  of 
Christ  and  the  practice  of  the  apostles  and  primitive 
Christians,  and  keep  the  feast  of  love.  A  full  meal 
is  prepared  and  placed  upon  the  table,  used  for  that 
purpose,  in  the  church,  and  all  the  members  partake 
of  the  supper. 

Feet-Washing. 

Before  eating  supper,  the  religious  rite  of  washing 
feet  is  observed.    Their  authority  for  this  practice  is 

33 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


found  in  John  13:  1-17,  "He  riseth  from  supper,  and 
laid  aside  his  garments ;  and  took  a  towel  and  girded 
himself.  After  that  he  poureth  water  into  a  basin, 
and  began  to  wash  the  disciples'  feet,  and  to  wipe  them 
with  the  towel  wherewith  he  was  girded.  ...  If 
I  then,  your  Lord  and  Master,  have  washed  your  feet ; 
ye  also  ought  to  wash  one  another's  feet.  For  I  have 
given  you  an  example,  that  ye  should  do  as  I  have 
done  to  you."  The  Brethren  do  not  stand  alone  in  the 
practice  of  this  rite.  The  Greek  church,  with  ninety 
million  communicants,  has  adhered  to  feet-washing, 
as  she  claims,  ever  since  the  days  of  the  apostles,  and 
the  patriarch  of  Jerusalem  engages  in  feet-washing  to- 
day near  the  spot  where  Jesus  himself  gave  the  ex- 
ample and  the  precept. 

In  their  practice  of  the  ordinance  of  feet-washing 
at  love-feast  occasions  the  Brethren  follow  very  closely 
the  example  of  the  Master.  Water  is  poured  into  a 
basin,  a  brother  girds  himself  with  a  towel  and  washes 
and  wipes  his  brother's  bared  feet,  and  in  turn  has  his 
feet  washed.  The  rite  is  in  this  way  performed  over 
the  entire  congregation.  The  sisters  wash  the  sisters' 
feet  and  all  the  proprieties  of  the  sexes  are  most  rigid- 
ly observed.  By  this  ordinance  the  gospel  principle 
of  humility  is  set  forth  and  by  its  observance  all  are 
placed  on  a  common  level.  The  rich  and  poor  stand 
alike  together  in  the  great  Brotherhood  established  by 
Christ. 

The  Supper. 

After  observing  the  ceremony  of  feet-washing,  a 
blessing  is  asked  upon  the  simple  meal  soread  on  the 

34 


Genesis  of  the  Brethren  Church 


tables,  and  it  is  eaten  with  solemnity.  It  is  held  to  be 
typical  of  the  great  supper  at  the  end  of  the  world, 
when  Christ  himself  will  be  master  of  ceremonies.  The 
important  lesson  is  taught  that  we  are  all  children  of 
one  common  family,  members  of  one  common  brother- 
hood, having  one  common  purpose  in  view,  and  the 
bond  of  fraternity  and  loving  fellowship  is  shown 
by  eating  together  this  sacred  meal  as  did  Christ  and 
his  disciples  and  as  did  the  primitive  Christians.  At 
the  conclusion  of  the  meal  thanks  are  returned  and 
then  as  the  members  are  seated  around  the  table,  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship  and  the  kiss  of  charity  are 
given.  The  salutation  of  the  kiss  of  love  in  worship 
and  in  customary  greetings,  as  enjoined  by  the  apos- 
tles, is  never  observed  between  the  sexes. 

The  Communion. 

The  Communion  is  then  administered.  This  con- 
sists in  partaking  of  the  bread  and  wine  in  commem- 
oration of  the  sufferings  and  death  of  our  adorable  Re- 
deemer. In  the  Lord's  Supper  we  are  pointed  for- 
ward to  the  evening  of  the  world,  to  the  great  reunion 
of  the  saints.  In  the  Communion  we  are  pointed  back 
to  the  cross.  The  emblems  are  passed  from  hand  to 
hand  by  the  brethren,  while  the  officiating  minister 
breaks  the  bread  and  passes  the  cup  to  the  sisters. 
After  this  a  season  of  earnest  devotion  follows,  and 
then  a  hymn  is  sung  and  the  services  are  closed  for 
the  evening.  Love-feasts  are  held  in  each  congrega- 
tion usually  once  or  twice  each  year,  but  as  the  mem- 

35 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

bers  visit  from  congregation  to  congregation,  during 
the  love-feast  season,  they  engage  many  times  in  this 
service  during  the  year. 


36 


CHAPTER  IL 


CHRISTOPHER  SOWER  ESTABLISHES  A  PRINTING  PRESS 
AT  GERMANTOWN. 

The  secluded  region  of  the  Conestoga  \'alley,  in 
the  depths  of  the  Pennsylvania  forests,  was,  in  the 
early  years  of  the  eighteenth  century,  well  on  the 
frontier  of  American  civilization.  Here  in  the  spring 
of  1726  came  a  modest  German  immigrant  to  start  life 
on  the  wilds  of  the  American  frontier.  He  was  ac- 
companied by  his  wife  and  five-year-old  son,  and 
sought  to  establish  a  home  in  one  of  the  fertile  val- 
leys under  the  dominion  of  the  mild  and  peace-loving 
Penn.  He  was  scarcely  more  than  an  adventurer, 
having  before  tried  two  or  three  occupations  with  in- 
diflFerent  success.  Now  he  was  going  to  turn  his  at- 
tention to  farming  in  the  valley  of  the  Conestoga. 

Accordingly  he  bought  of  one,  Simon  Konig,  a  lit- 
tle farm  of  fifty  acres,  lying  in  a  long  strip  on  both 
sides  of  Mill  Creek,  in  what  is  now  Leacock  township 
in  Lancaster  county.  Here  he  built  for  his  habitation 
an  humble  dwelling,  and  began  the  life  of  a  frontiers- 
man. Naturally  there  were  many  hardships  and  priva- 
tions to  endure.  But  he  soon  settled  into  the  routine 
of  agricultural  pursuits  with  every  prospect  of  end- 
ing his  days  as  an  humble  tiller  of  the  soil.  Little  would 
any  one  have  thought  at  this  time  that  this  unpreten- 
tious small  farmer  should  come  to  be  a  leader  in  shap- 

37 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

ing  the  political  and  religious  thought  of  his  day;  yet 
such  was  the  unsuspected  blessing  that  Providence  had 
in  store  for  him.  This  obscure  person  was  no  other 
than  Christopher  Sower,  who  became  the  first  German 
printer  in  America,  "  and  through  his  press  wielded 
an  influence  among  the  Sectarians  in  the  Province 
greater  than  that  of  any  other  person  or  organiza- 
tion." 

To  Christopher  Sower  belongs  the  honor  of  having 
transplanted  German  culture  and  German  printing 
into  the  New  World.  In  book-making  he  was  the  first 
to  use  German  type,  and  he  edited  and  printed  the 
first  German  newspaper  in  America.  Andrew  Brad- 
ford and  Benjamin  Franklin  each  did  German  print- 
ing in  Philadelphia  a  few  years  before  Sower  set  up 
his  press  in  Germantown,  but  they  used  the  Roman 
type  and  never  reached  a  large  constituency.  Sower 
threw  himself  body  and  soul  into  his  enterprise,  and 
issued  books,  pamphlets,  newspapers,  magazines,  al- 
manacs in  great  profusion.  Not  only  was  his  press  a 
prolific  one,  but  the  output  was  governed  b}-  an  al- 
most faultless  judgment  as  to  what  was  best  for  the 
German  inhabitants  of  the  New  World.  He  was 
actuated  by  the  high  purpose  of  providing  the  most 
useful  reading  matter  for  his  fellow  countrymen  in 
their  new  environments.  He  undertook  projects  for 
their  good  that  seemed  doomed  to  certain  falure,  yet 
by  ,his  indomitable  energy  and  perseverance  n^ere  car- 
ried to  successful  issues. 

He  was  a  man  far  in  advance  of  his  tirre.  While 
boldly  and  fearlessly  upholding  the  religious  princi- 

38 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


pies  that  he  had  espoused,  he  had  the  happy  faculty 
of  winning  the  confidence  and  admiration  of  the  Ger- 
man immigrants  everywhere,  regardless  of  sect  or 
creed.  His  interests  and  sympathies  went  out  to  all 
the  new  and  trying  conditions  that  beset  his  country- 
men in  their  new  environment.  In  his  publications  he 
sought  to  give  such  instruction  in  religion,  politics, 
social  and  economic  life  as  would  lead  to  the  greatest 
domestic  happiness  and  the  best  citizenship.  He  far 
transcended  the  boundaries  of  sect  or  party,  and 
soon  found  himself  the  acknowledged  champion  of 
whatever  was  best  politically,  socially,  morally,  reli- 
giously, for  his  countrymen. 

In  the  complex  web  of  what  we  call  American  civili- 
zation it  is  impossible  to  trace  the  different  lines  of 
influence  that  have  gone  out  from  the  life  and  labors 
of  this  great  and  good  man.  In  a  thousand  ways  that 
we  know  not  of  his  eflforts  modified  and  improved  the 
conditions  of  his  time,  of  which  we  today  are  enjoying 
the  happy  fruits.  He  shunned  publicity,  choosing 
rather  to  live  in  quiet  and  work  in  peace.  Yet  his 
silent  influence  started  many  a  rill  that  has  come  down 
to  us  as  a  mighty  flood  of  blessing,  mingling  benefi- 
cently with  the  higher  elements  of  our  American  civili- 
zation. In  the  religious,  political,  educational,  social 
and  public  life  of  his  day  he  was  a  prominent  figure, 
moving  in  easy  familiarity  and  on  equal  footing  with 
the  leading  statesmen  and  educators  of  his  time.  There 
was  scarcely  an  important  phase  of  life  in  his  day  that 
he  did  not  touch,  and  to  use  Johnson's  words  in  regard 
to  Goldsmith,  "  Whatever  he  touched  he  adorned." 

39 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

The  career  of  this  great  man  is  full  of  interest  and 
instruction,  and  in  some  parts  seems  more  like  fiction 
than  fact.  But  as  the  present  work  is  in  no  sense  a 
biography,  many  of  the  most  interesting  events  of 
his  life  must  be  passed  over  in  silence,  or  referred 
to  only  incidentally,  as  they  are  related  to  his  career 
as  publisher.  Dr.  M.  G.  Brumbaugh  has  announced 
a  forthcoming  work  on  "  The  Life  and  Labors  of  the 
two  Christopher  Sowers,"  which  will  doubtless  set 
forth  his  many-sided  greatness  in  a  deserving  light. 
It  is  not  the  intention  or  desire  of  the  present  writer 
to  infringe  upon  this  field,  but  to  confine  himself  to 
the  restricted  limits  of  his  own  line  of  investigation. 

In  this  chapter  I  desire  to  tell  the  story  of  the  erec- 
tion and  establishment  of  the  Sower  press,  and  ex- 
plain, as  far  as  possible,  the  mysteries  and  difficulties 
connected  with  doing  this.  In  order  to  present  this 
important  transaction  with  even  approximate  clear- 
ness, it  will  be  necessary  to  relate  the  leading  facts  in 
the  early  life  of  Christopher  Sower,  and  see  what  man- 
ner of  man  it  was  that  afterwards  became  such  a  pow- 
er among  the  German  inhabitants  of  the  New  World. 

Christopher  Sower  was  born  at  Laasphe,  in  Witt- 
genstein, in  the  province  of  Westphalia,  Germany,  in 
1693.  This  was  a  time  of  great  social  and  religious 
unrest.  The  formalism  and  want  of  spirituality  in 
the  state  churches  was  roundly  denounced  by  many 
awakened  souls  who  longed  and  worked  for  a  fuller 
spiritual  life.  Against  these,  on  the  other  hand,  the 
bloody  hand  of  persecution  was  raised.  Church  and 
state  joined  in  unholy  alliance  to  crush  out  opposition 

40 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 

to  the  established  order  of  things.  Yet  despite  this 
fact,  men  on  fire  with  holy  zeal  went  everywhere  pro- 
claiming Christ,  and  denouncing  the  frigid  ritualism 
with  which  their  spirits  were  oppressed. 

In  this  atmosphere  of  discussion  and  persecution, 
the  early  years  of  Sower  were  spent.  He  was  early  at- 
tracted to  the  Dissenters,  and  had  warm  friends 
among  the  Dunkers.  At  the  time  the  Dunker  Church 
was  organized,  in  1708,  Christopher  Sower  was  fifteen 
years  of  age,  and  it  is  probable  that  he  knew  personally 
all  of  the  eight  original  members.  At  any  rate  he  was 
on  intimate  terms  a  little  later  with  such  leaders  as 
Alexander  Mack,  Peter  Becker  and  others.  When  he 
joined  the  church  is  a  matter  not  yet  definitely  set- 
tled. 

As  to  his  educational  opportunities  and  attainments, 
there  has  been  a  good  deal  of  conjecture  and  some 
wild  guessing,  but  not  much  is  known.  He  has  been 
credited  with  a  university  education  and  with  gradua- 
tion from  a  medical  college.  But  such  statements  un- 
supported by  evidence,  of  course  count  for  little ;  and 
the  fact  that  the  evidence  has  not  been  produced  is  a 
pretty  clear  indication  that  it  does  not  exist.  Sower's 
attainments  in  later  life  were  such  as  to  lend  a  shade 
of  probability  to  these  conjectures,  but  these  attain- 
ments are  better  accounted  for  on  other  grounds. 

From  all  that  can  be  learned  Christopher  Sower 
sprang  from  humble  parentage.  He  doubtless  received 
such  education  as  the  schools  of  his  native  town  pro- 
vided. That  he  was  well  drilled  in  the  rudiments  of 
language  and  science  is  beyond  question.   But  that  he 

41 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


acquired  more  than  the  rudiments  in  early  life  is  high- 
ly improbable.  Nowhere  have  I  found  in  his  writings 
the  marks  of  scholarship.  He  was  distinctly  a  self- 
made  man.  His  approach  to  any  subject  is  that  of  a 
practical  man  of  affairs  and  not  that  of  a  scholar. 

In  early  life  he  learned  the  trade  of  tailor,  and  it 
was  doubtless  this  that  he  relied  upon  for  a  liveli- 
hood when  he  came  to  this  country  in  the  autumn  of 
1724.  He  settled  in  Germantown  and  in  all  probability 
pursued  his  trade.  In  this  way  he  passed  the  follow- 
ing two  winters  and  the  intervening  summer.  He 
lived  in  such  humble  obscurity  as  was  naturally  the 
lot  of  a  German  immigrant  without  means  or  influen- 
tial friends.  The  details  of  this  period  are  unknown, 
but  it  is  altogether  probable  that  during  the  long  win- 
ter evenings  he  was  cultivating  some  of  the  various 
accomplishments  for  which  he  afterwards  became  fa- 
mous.   Of  these  more  hereafter. 

His  tailoring  establishment  in  Germantown  did  not 
prove  a  success.  So  he  decided  to  turn  farmer.  His 
practical  wisdom  taught  him  that  the  best  farming 
land  is  found  in  the  river  valleys.  Consequently  in 
the  spring  of  1726  he  gathered  together  his  scanty 
belongings  and  with  his  family  pushed  westward  into 
the  Conestoga  valley  as  we  have  seen.  The  place 
where  he  located  is  pointed  out  today  in  Lancaster 
county.  Here  he  came  in  contact  with  the  Ephrata 
community,  with  whose  adherents  he  had  friendly  in- 
tercourse, but  he  found  little  sympathy  with  many  of 
their  practices.  As  a  farmer  he  prospered.  The  next 
.^l    ^ear  after  his  arrival  he  hired  to  work  on  his  farm, 

42 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 

Israel  Eckerling.  who  afterwards  became  a  leader  at 
Ephrata. 

A  statement  by  this  man  Eckerling  in  the  Chronicon 
Ephratense  makes  it  highly  probable  that  Sower  joined 
the  Dunker  church  about  this  time.  After  speaking 
of  his  arrival  in  the  Conestoga  valley  and  the  religious 
sects  that  he  found  there,  Eckerling  continues :  "  After 
that  I  worked  for  Christopher  Sower,  who  brought 
me  to  a  meeting  of  the  new  congregation,  at  which 
I  was  strengthened  in  my  good  resolve  to  such  a  de- 
gree by  the  words  of  the  Superintendent,  that  on 
Whitsuntide  of  the  year  1728,  I  was  incorporated  in 
the  new  congregation  by  holy  baptism,  together  with 
my  master  and  another  brother,  Jacob  Gass  by  name." 
The  context  makes  it  clear  beyond  question  that  the 
new  congregation  here  referred  to  was  that  of  the 
Dunkers,  which  had  been  organized  some  three  years 
before  and  over  vv'hich  Conrad  Beissel  now  presided. 
The  only  uncertainty  about  the  matter  is  the  bare  pos- 
sibility that  Eckerling  might  have  meant  by  the  words 
"  my  master "  some  one  other  than  Sower.  But 
then  the  question  comes,  whom  else  could  he  have 
meant?  This  point  the  reader  will  have  to  settle  for 
himself. 

If  this  may  be  accepted  as  sufficient  evidence  that 
Sower  at  this  time  received  baptism  at  the  hands  of 
Beissel,  it  clears  up  a  much-controverted  point.  In 
1728  Whitsuntide  fell  on  the  9th  of  June,  which,  con- 
sidering the  evidence  sufficient,  we  may  henceforth 
regard  as  the  anniversary  of  Sower's  admission  into 
the  church.    It  was  in  December  of  this  same  year 

43 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


(1728)  that  Beissel  withdrew  from  the  Dunkers  and 
set  up  for  himself.^  As  Sower  had  been  received  about 
six  months  before  this,  while  Beissel  was  still  a  regu- 
lar minister  in  the  Dunker  church  and  in  charge  of  the 
Conestoga  congregation,  it  follows  that  Sower's  ad- 
mission was  in  every  way  regular  and  legal.  After  the 
division  Eckerling  and  Gass  became  disciples  of  Beis- 
sel, but  Sower  remained  loyal  to  the  principles  he  had 
accepted,  and  after  a  few  'years  removed  from  the 
neighborhood  of  these  misguided  and  visionary  her- 
mits. 

Meanwhile  there  was  great  religious  activity  in  the 
Conestoga  valley.  The  followers  of  Beissel,  or  Sab- 
batarians, began  a  religious  crusade  with  fiery  zeal. 
Revival  meetings  were  frequent  and  enthusiastic. 
Proselyting  went  on  actively ;  not  without  many  hin- 
drances, however.  Nor  were  the  hindrances  from  with- 
out more  determined,  frequently,  than  those  from  with- 
in. The  solitary  brethren  could  not  determine  among 
themselves  what  they  really  believed.  Long  and  heat- 
ed were  the  discussions  among  them  on  such  contro- 
verted points  as  original  sin,  the  judgments  of  God, 
or  final  doom.  These  discussions  were  sometimes  very 
exciting  and  caused  great  trouble.  There  is  one  in- 
stance on  record  in  which  one  of  the  disputants  was 
so  affected  by  a  controversy  in  which  he  participated 
that  he  died  soon  after  from  the  effects  of  it. 

No  wonder  a  man  of  Sower's  practical  sense  held 

'  For  an  account  of  this  separation  and  the  relation  of  the 
Ephrata  Society  to  the  Dunkers  see  extended  note  at  the  end 
of  this  chapter. 


44 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


aloof  from  such  enthusiasts.  While  he  refrained 
from  taking  any  part  in  these  bitter  discussions,  yet 
the  unrest  and  excitement  they  engendered  were  not 
without  their  sorrowful  influence  upon  him.  In  the 
summer  of  1730  a  scandal  gained  currency  which  in- 
culpated Beissel  and  two  young  ladies  who  had  moved 
to  the  neighborhood  of  his  dwelling  for  instruction 
and  spiritual  consolation.  This  plunged  the  community 
into  still  greater  excitement.  Beissel  and  the  girls 
were  honorably  acquitted,  but  the  case  had  so  in- 
censed Beissel  that  he  forthwith  wrote  and  published 
a  little  tract  which  he  entitled.  Die  Ehe  das  Zuch- 
thaus  iieischlicher  Menschen  (Marriage  the  Peni- 
tentiary of  Carnal  Man).  As  an  immediate  result  of 
the  excitement  and  of  the  issue  of  this  pamphlet  two 
married  women  of  the  neighborhood  left  their  hus- 
bands and  went  into  retirement.  One  of  these  was 
Maria  Christina,  wife  of  Christopher  Sower,  who, 
tradition  says,  had  been  baptized  by  Beissel  in  1726, 
soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  Sowers  in  the  valley  of 
the  Conestoga.  Now  further  influenced  by  the  teach- 
ings of  the  mystic,  she  deserted  home,  husband  and 
child,  to  follow  the  fortunes  and  vagaries  of  the  en- 
thusiast. 

The  winter  of  1730-1731  must  have  been  a  long 
and  dreary  one  for  Christopher  Sower.  His  little 
cabin  on  the  bank  of  Mill  Creek,  once  the  abode  of 
happiness  and  comfort,  seemed  peculiarly  barren  and 
desolate  to  him  as  he  sat  by  the  fire  in  the  long  win- 
ter evenings  with  his  nine-year-old  son  by  his  side 
and  thought  of  the  wife  and  mother  only  a  little  way 

45 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


off,  held  under  a  spell  of  mystic  influence  with 
which  he  could  feel  no  sympathy.  And  when  he  re- 
membered the  strife  and  contention  which  had  iilled 
the  neighborhood  almost  since  his  arrival,  surpassing 
in  fierceness  at  times  the  cold  blasts  of  December  that 
swept  down  the  Miihlbach,  carrying  the  icy  chill  into 
the  midst  of  his  home  and  heaping  up  the  snow  in 
great  drifts  about  his  doorway ;  or  when  the  angry 
howl  of  the  wolf  rang  out  on  the  night  air,  a  fit  em- 
blem of  the  fierce  passions  of  his  neighbors,  his 
heart  almost  sank  within  him.  With  these  discour- 
agements we  are  not  surprised  that  when  spring  again 
returned  he  disposed  of  his  farm  and  returned  with 
his  son  to  Germantown,  whence  he  had  come  five 
years  before. 

The  next  seven  years  are  an  important  part  of  his 
history,  being  the  period  of  preparation,  so  to  speak, 
for  his  renowned  career  as  editor  and  publisher. 
Having  already  changed  his  occupation  several  times, 
it  was  perhaps  not  difficult  for  him  to  do  so  again. 
But  it  seems  he  was  not  in  a  hurry  to  settle  upon  a 
new  line  of  work.  With  powers  of  mind  now  well 
matured  and  religious  convictions  fully  settled,  he 
cast  about  for  a  time,  testing  his  powers  and  inclina- 
tions before  selecting  a  vocation.  That  he  tried  a 
number  of  things  in  the  years  following  his  return  to 
Germantown  there  is  abundant  evidence. 

He  learned  the  carpenter's  trade.  Soon,  too,  he  was 
described  as  a  skilled  wheelwright  and  cabinet-maker. 
And  it  was  not  long  until  he  added  to  these  accom- 
plishments that  of  clock-making.    In  this  last  he  be- 

46 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


came  very  proficient.  He  manufactured  timepieces  of 
various  designs  and  sizes.  For  a  time  this  seems  to 
have  been  his  principal  occupation,  as  the  sign  over 
his  door  bore  the  inscription,  "  Christoph  Saur,  Uhr- 
macher." 

The  art  of  clock-making  he  learned  from  Dr.  Chris- 
topher Witt,  with  whom  he  lived  for  a  time  after  his 
return  from  the  Conestoga  country.  Dr.  Witt  is  cred- 
ited with  having  built  the  first  tower  clock  in  this 
country,  the  curious  timepiece  at  Ephrata,  bearing  the 
legend:  "  C.  W.  1735."  The  Doctor  was  also  some- 
thing of  a  philosopher,  with  decided  mystical  tenden- 
cies. He  gave  instruction  in  physics,  medicine  and  the 
occult  sciences.  He  was  a  very  learned  man  for  his 
time  and  country,  and  his  influence  on  Sower  was  very 
pronounced,  and  in  the  main  beneficial. 

Under  his  tuition  Sower  began  the  study  of  the 
plants  about  Germantown.  This  proved  to  be  won- 
derfully fascinating  to  him.  He  became  skilled  as  a 
botanist,  but  his  study  of  plants  was  not  that  of  a 
scientist.  He  cared  less  for  scientific  distinctions  and 
classifications  than  for  medicinal  properties.  This  lat- 
ter led  him  far  afield.  He  did  original  work  here  for 
which  he  has  never  received  credit.  Naturally,  along 
with  his  study  of  plants  and  their  medical  properties, 
he  was  led  to  the  compounding  of  vegetable  remedies, 
for  which  he  later  became  famous.  His  medicines  met 
with  such  universal  favor  and  the  demand  for  them 
was  so  pronounced  that  he  continued  to  manufacture 
them  until  late  in  life.  Even  after  he  had  become 
known  in  two  hemispheres  as  a  great  publisher  and 

47 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


book-maker,  he  still  kept  a  small  room  in  his  printing 
establishment  in  Germantown  where  these  remedies 
might  be  procured. 

From  the  fact  that  he  manufactured  medicines  and 
sometimes  performed  simple  surgical  operations,  such 
as  letting  blood,  it  has  been  thought  by  some  that  he 
was  a  doctor  of  medicine  and  that  he  at  times  practiced 
his  profession.  It  has  even  been  printed  in  books  that 
he  studied  medicine  at  Halle  in  Germany.  There  is 
no  evidence,  however,  to  show  that  he  ever  studied 
medicine  anywhere  as  such.  His  study  of  botany  and 
natural  history,  at  first  under  the  direction  of  Dr. 
Witt,  later  independently,  led  him  to  acquire  all  the 
medical  knowledge  he  ever  possessed. 

Sower  was  one  of  those  persons  who  develop  slow- 
ly and  do  not  attain  the  full  maturity  of  their  powers 
until  late  in  life.  As  we  have  seen,  his  accomplish- 
ments were  due  largely  to  his  own  private  study  and 
work.  He  was  emphatically  a  self-made  man.  A 
statement  in  the  Acta  Historico-Ecclesiastica,  quoted 
by  Professor  Seidensticker,^  evidences  the  many-sided- 
ness of  his  mechanical  skill,  and  confirms  the  belief 
that  his  accomplishments  were  the  result  of  his  own 
private  study.  From  the  Professor's  account  I  trans- 
late as  follows : 

"  He  (Sower)  is  a  very  ingenious  man,  a  separa- 
tist, who  has  learned  thirty  trades  without  a  teacher. 
For  he  came  to  America  as  a  tailor  and  now  he  is  a 
printer,  an  apothecary,  a  surgeon,  a  botanist,  a  man- 
ufacturer of  clocks  and  watches,  a  cabinet-maker,  a 


^  Geschichtsblatter,  2  Band. 

48 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


book-binder,  the  writer  of  a  newspaper  who  himself 
manufactured  the  entire  equipment  of  his  printing  es- 
tablishment, a  drawer  of  wire  and  lead,  a  manufactur- 
er of  paper,  etc.,  etc." 

Soon  after  his  return  from  the  Miihlbach  valley, 
Sower  leased  a  piece  of  ground  in  Germantown  and 
built  a  small  house  upon  it.  The  tract  contained  six 
acres  and  fronted  on  what  is  now  Germantown  Ave- 
nue. The  house  he  erected  was  two  stories  high  and 
stood  back  some  distance  from  the  street,  with  the 
gable  towards  the  street.  In  this  building  he  estab- 
lished his  printing  press  in  1738,  and  for  a  dozen  years 
after  this  it  served  him  both  as  a  dwelling  and  a  print- 
ing establishment. 

When  Christopher  Sower  first  conceived  the  idea  of 
establishing  a  German  printing  press  in  America  is  not 
known.  It  is  not  improbable,  however,  that  the  pos- 
sibility of  such  a  thing  came  to  him  before  he  left  the 
Miihlbach  valley  in  1731.  During  his  residence  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Ephrata  the  Zionitic  Brotherhood 
had  brought  out  two  hymn  books,  which  Benjamin 
Franklin  had  printed  for  them  in  Philadelphia.  The 
relations  between  Franklin  and  the  Brotherhood  had, 
however,  not  been  cordial,  owing  chiefly,  it  would 
seem,  to  his  contempt  for  the  "  Dutch,"  as  he  called 
the  Germans. 

When  Franklin  announced  his  intention  to  publish 
Die  Philadelphische  Zcitung  on  June  11  of  the  next 
year  (1732),  the  need  of  such  an  establishment  was, 
in  all  probability,  still  more  forcibly  suggested  to 
Sower.    It  was  clear  to  his  mind,  as  future  develop- 

49 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


ments  will  show,  that  a  German  newspaper  controlled 
by  a  man  who  hated  everything  German  as  cordially 
as  Franklin  seemed  to  do  was  not  calculated  to  ad- 
vance what  he  regarded  to  be  the  best  interests  of  his 
countrymen.  There  is  evidence  that  from  this  time  he 
began  to  plan  and  work  to  the  end  of  establishing  a 
press  of  his  own. 

In  passing  it  should  be  observed  in  regard  to  Frank- 
lin's paper  that  it  was  the  first  newspaper  in  America 
printed  in  the  German  language.  But  it  was  not  print- 
ed with  German  letters.  Franklin  had  no  German  type 
until  more  than  ten  years  after  this,  receiving  the  first 
from  Christopher  Sower  soon  after  he  had  finished 
printing  his  Bible  in  1743.  The  Philadelphische 
Zeitung  was  printed  in  Roman  characters,  and  pur- 
ported to  be  a  translation  of  Franklin's  English  paper, 
the  Pennsylvania  Gazette.  It  was  issued  on  Saturdays 
and  seems  to  have  been  a  weekly.  Franklin's  purpose 
at  first,  however,  was  to  issue  it  only  every  two  weeks, 
as  his  announcement  shows.  After  stating  that  the 
Gazette  will  appear  on  the  following  Monday,  he 
adds,  "  And  on  the  Saturday  following  will  be  pub- 
lished Philadelphische  Zeitung,  or  Newpaper  in  High- 
German,  which  will  continue  to  be  published  on  Sat- 
urdays once  a  fortnight." 

Franklin's  paper  does  not  seem  to  have  been  a  suc- 
cess. It  never  became  popular  among  the  German 
settlers  nor  did  it  ever  reach  a  large  circulation.  That 
there  was  room  for  a  German  newspaper  in  the  colo- 
nies, however,  is  shown  by  the  enthusiastic  reception  ac- 
corded Sower's  venture  along  this  line  a  few  years 

50 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


later.  It  is  not  known  how  long  the  paper  was  con- 
tinued. It  is  safe  to  say,  however,  that  it  was  prompt- 
ly driven  from  the  field  after  the  appearance  of  Sow- 
er's Geschicht-Schreiher,  if,  indeed,  it  endured  so 
long. 

As  to  the  feasibility  of  setting  up  a  German  print- 
ing establishment  in  the  colonies.  Sower  does  not 
seem  to  have  hesitated  long.  It  is  known  that  soon 
after  the  time  of  which  we  are  writing  he  was  in  cor- 
respondence with  some  of  the  German  clergy  in  En- 
gland, and  that  overtures  were  made  to  them  in  regard 
to  a  printing  press.    Nothing  came  of  this,  however. 

About  the  same  time  Sower  was  carrying  on  a  cor- 
respondence with  the  authorities  of  the  Halle  Insti- 
tution in  Germany.  Under  date  of  June  15,  1735,  he 
wrote  a  letter  to  Rev.  Gotthilf  August  Francke,  re- 
questing that  a  press  and  type  be  purchased  for  him 
and  sent  to  America.  Payment  was  to  be  made  in 
future,  presumably  from  the  proceeds  of  the  printing 
business.  The  press  was  not  shipped,  however,  be- 
cause of  a  doubt,  as  Francke  expressed  it,  "  whether 
any  service  would  be  rendered  by  a  printing-press  in 
the  West  Indies." 

What  further  efforts  were  made  by  Christopher 
Sower  in  the  succeeding  months  to  provide  himself 
with  a  printer's  outfit,  we  have  no  way  of  knowing. 
We  may  be  sure  of  this,  however,  that  he  was  in- 
tensely in  earnest  about  the  matter,  and  would  leave  no 
stone  unturned  that  would  help  him  to  the  attainment 
of  his  coveted  prize. 

With  the  determination  worthy  of  a  great  cause  he 
51 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


persevered  in  his  efforts  until  the  spring  of  1738, 
when  we  find  him  in  possession  of  his  highly  prized 
press.  In  a  letter  dated  at  Germantown,  November 
17  of  the  same  year,  he  expressed  his  gratitude  that 
his  long-felt  wish  had  finally  been  gratified.  "  But 
where,"  he  exclaims,  *'  can  I  find  words  to  praise  the 
good  God?  I  am  greatly  indebted  to  him.  My  all  be 
at  his  service  and  for  the  glorification  of  his  name. 
This  was  in  weakness  my  desire  and  longing  for  the 
many  benefits,  which  have  come  to  me  during  my  so- 
journ here  as  well  as  during  my  whole  life.  For  these 
reasons  I  have  desired  to  establish  in  this  land  a  Ger- 
man printing'-press,  which  N.  bought  for  me  and  for- 
warded to  this  place. 

The  person  here  referred  to  as  N.  has  been  thought 
to  be  Jacob  Gass,  a  member  of  the  Ephrata  commu- 
nity, whose  acquaintance  Sower  had  made  during  his 
residence  in  the  Conestoga  valley.  There  is  no  his- 
torical evidence,  however,  to  prove  that  this  is  so,  and 
how  Sower  came  by  his  press  remains  to  this  day  an 
impenetrable  mystery. 

There  are  various  interesting  legends  connected 
with  this  part  of  our  narrative,  and  even  these  may 
help  us  to  arrive  at  some  degree  of  truth. 

One  account  states  that  the  outfit,  consisting  of  press 
and  a  small  collection  of  type,  was  purchased  in  Ger- 
many. If  this  is  true,  Sower  must  have  had  friends 
who  donated  the  purchase  price,  of  which  we  know 
nothing,  or  the  press  was  a  gift. 


•Geistllche  Fama,  No.  25. 

52 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


Abram  H.  Cassel  is  of  the  opinion  that  Sower's 
press  was  the  one  on  which  the  famous  Berleburg 
Bibles  were  printed  about  1726.  He  says  the  Brethren 
and  others  who  were  bringing  out  this  Bible  secured 
a  larger  press  when  the  work  was  partially  finished, 
and  that  the  old  press  was  sent  to  the  Brethren  in 
America  and  became  the  property  of  Christopher 
Sower. 

Another  story,  which  is  probably  only  a  different 
version  of  the  preceding,  has  it  that  the  Brethren  in 
Germany  soon  after  their  organization  in  1708,  pro- 
cured a  small  printing  press  on  which  they  printed 
some  of  the  works  of  Alexander  Mack,  Hoffman, 
Gruber  and  others.  Later,  the  story  goes,  when  per- 
secutions scattered  the  Brethren,  this  press  was  sent 
to  those  who  had  come  to  America  and  was  put  in  the 
possession  of  Christopher  Sower  because  no  one  else 
had  room  for  it.* 

There  is  a  tradition,  also,  that  seems  to  have  been 
current  from  the  time  the  press  was  first  set  up,  that 
it  was  of  domestic  construction,  the  work  of  the  print- 
er himself,  and  that  only  the  type  had  been  imported. 
It  is  highly  probable  that  there  is  an  element  of  truth 
in  this  tradition.  When  we  remember  Sower's  eager- 
ness in  the  matter,  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of  his 
achieving  his  object,  and  above  all,  the  unusual  me- 
chanical ingenuity  of  the  man,  there  is  certainly  no 
inherent  improbability  in  the  story.  On  the  other 
hand,  it  is  rather  what  should  naturally  be  expected. 
This  belief  is  also  in  accordance  with  the  statement 


'  See  Gospel  Messenger  for  December  8,  1906. 

53 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


enumerating  Sower's  accomplishments,  quoted  in  the 
early  part  of  this  chapter,  and  is  further  made  proba- 
ble by  the  certainty  that  he  afterwards  invented  many 
appliances  as  the  business  developed. 

Since  these  stories  are  all  alike  unsupported  by  evi- 
dence, we  shall  have  to  relegate  them  all  to  the  limbo 
of  fable  and,  as  to  the  question  whence  Sower  pro- 
cured his  printing-press,  simply  confess  that  we  don't 
know.  It  is  most  reasonable  to  suppose,  however, 
that  he  secured  a  press  from  some  source  to  start  with, 
and  afterwards  improved  it  by  useful  inventions  as  oc- 
casion demanded.  However  acquired,  the  press  was  at 
any  rate  at  length  set  up.  And  now  began  a  career 
which,  for  business  integrity,  loyalty  to  principle,  and 
devotion  to  a  high  ideal  has  few  parallels  in  the  his- 
tory of  American  printing. 

This  first  issue  from  this  mysterious  press,  which 
was  to  become  so  famous,  was  a  broadside  and  bore 
the  following  title : 

Eine  Ernstliche  Ennahnnng,  An  Junge  und  Alte: 
Zu  einer  Ungeheuchclten  Priifung  Ihres  Hertzens 
und  Zustandes.  Kiirtslich  aus  Engeland  nach  Ameri- 
ca gesandt,  und  wegen  seiner  Wichtigkeit  Aus  dent 
Englischen  ins  Deutsche  treuliche  ilhersetzt;  Von 
einem  Liehhaher  der  IVahrheit. 

(Translation)  An  earnest  admonition  to  young  and 
old,  to  a  sincere  testing  of  their  hearts  and  conditions. 
Recently  sent  from  England  to  America,  and,  because 
of  its  importance,  faithfully  translated  from  English 
into  German,  by  a  lover  of  truth. 

This  firstling  of  the  German  press  in  America  was 
54 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


printed  on  only  one  side ;  the  reverse  was  blank.  The 
typography  and  press  work  were  good,  showing  that 
it  was  not  done  by  a  novice.  Who  aided  Sower  in  this 
piece  of  work  is  unknown.  It  is  a  curious  fact  that  in 
the  publisher's  imprint  on  this  first  issue  of  his  press 
Sower's  name  appears  spelled  with  an  e,  Sauer.  Up 
to  this  time  and  usually  afterwards  he  spelled  his  name 
simply  "  Saur." 

Because  of  its  historical  significance  this  "  first 
page  printed  in  America  in  German  type  "  has  become 
quite  a  relic.  Only  three^  copies  are  known  to  exist. 
It  was  dated  "  den  3ten  Monath  des  Jahres  1738," 
(the  third^  month  of  the  year  1738),  and  fixes  the  time 
when  the  Sower  press  began  its  operations. 

Another  important  publication  of  this  first  year  was 
the  almanac.  Continuing  his  letter  of  November  17, 
partly  quoted  above,  he  writes :  "  Now  I  could  find  no 
more  suitable  means  (vehiculum)  to  make  this  (the 
establishment  of  his  German  printing-press)  known 
throughout  the  land  than  to  issue  an  almanac,  the 
title  of  which  I  send  herewith,  together  with  a  copy 
of  a  translation  from  the  English." 

This  translation  was,  without  doubt,  the  Ernstliche 
ErmahnuHg,  his  first  imprint. 

This  letter  fixes  the  antecedent  date  of  issue  of  the 
first  number  of  the  almanac  which  afterwards  be- 

•  In  the  library  of  the  Historical  Society  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  in  the  private  collections  of  Judge  Pennypacker  and 
Rev.  A.  Stapleton. 

»It  must  be  remembered  that  in  1738  the  year  began  on 
March  25,  so  that  the  third  month  would  correspond  with 
the  latter  part  of  May  and  the  early  part  of  June.  It  ia 
probable  that  the  Sower  press  began  work  about  June,  1738. 

55 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


came  very  popular.  IIovv  soon  after  November  17 
the  almanac  appeared  we  now  have  no  way  of  know- 
ing; in  all  probability,  however,  it  was  issued  before 
the  end  of  the  calendar  year,  which  at  that  time  was 
the  25th  of  March.  The  title  of  the  forthcoming  publi- 
cation was  announced  in  the  above-mentioned  letter 
for  the  first  time,  and,  fully  stated,  runs  as  follows : 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender.  Auf 
das  Jahr  nach  der  Gnadcn-reichen  Geburth  unseres 
Herrn  und  Heylandes  Jesu  Christi  i/Sp.  In  sick  halt- 
eyide:  Die  Wochen-Tage ;  Den  Tag  des  Monaths; 
Tage  welche  bemerkt  werden;  Des  Monds  Auf-und 
Untergang;  Des  Monds  Zeichen  und  Grad:  Voll-und 
Neu-Ltcht;  erst  und  letzt  Viertel:  Aspecten  der 
Planeten  sanit  der  IVitterung;  Der  y  Sternen  Auf- 
gang,  Sud-Platz  und  Untergang;  Der  Sonen  Auf- 
und  Untergang;  Nebst  einem  Bericht,  ivohcr  viele  im 
Calender  vorkommende  Dinge  herstammen;  Erkl'd- 
rung  der  Zeichen,  Aderlasz-T'dffiein,  Anzcigung  der 
Finsterni'isse,  Courten,  Faren  u.  s.  zv.  Eingerichtet  vor 
die  Sonnen-Hohe  von  Pennsylvanien ;  Jedoch  an  denen 
angreuzenden  Landen  ohne  merklichen  Unterschied  zii 
gebrauchen.  Zum  ersten  mahl  heratisgegeben.  Ger- 
manton,  Gedruckt  und  su  finden  bey  Christoph  Saur, 
wie  auch  zu  haben  bey  Joh.  Wister  in  Philadelphia. 

I  have  reproduced  this  long  title  in  full  for  several 
reasons.  It  is  an  example  of  the  extreme  fullness  of 
titles  generally  in  the  eighteenth  century.  It  shows  too 
how  fully  Sower  had  matured  his  own  plans  before  he 
undertook  to  issue  the  almanac.  Especially  does  it 
make  clear  the  purpose  of  the  publisher,  to  bring  to- 

56 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


gether  in  this  work  a  variety  of  useful  information  that 
would  be  practically  helpful  to  those  into  whose  hands 
it  might  come. 

A  translation  of  the  title  follows.  The  High  Ger- 
man American  Calendar,  for  the  year  since  the  birth 
of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ,  1739.  Containing 
the  days  of  the  week,  the  days  of  the  month,  notable 
days ;  the  rise  and  setting  of  the  moon,  the  phases  of 
the  moon  and  its  elevation,  full  and  new  moon,  first 
and  last  quarter ;  the  aspects  of  the  planets,  together 
with  the  temperature ;  the  rise  of  the  seven  stars,  their 
south  point  and  setting;  the  rise  and  setting  of  the 
sun,  together  with  a  statement  showing  whence  many 
things  appearing  in  the  calendar  are  derived ;  an  ex- 
planation of  the  signs,  the  cause  of  darkness,  etc.  Cal- 
culated for  the  latitude  of  Pennsylvania,  but  can  be 
used  in  neighboring  sections  without  material  change. 
First  issue.  Germantown,  printed  and  for  sale  by 
Christopher  Sower ;  also  to  be  had  from  John  Wister 
in  Philadelphia. 

Under  this  title  the  Sower  almanacs  were  published 
for  forty  years.  The  style  and  size  were  also  un- 
changed ;  and  the  same  woodcut  on  the  front  page, 
representing  a  landing  scene,  characterizes  the  whole 
series.  So  important  is  this  almanac  in  the  history 
of  early  German  publications  that  a  more  extended  ac- 
count of  it  is  reserved  for  another  chapter. 

Two  other  sheets  at  least  came  from  the  Sower 
press  in  this  first  year  of  its  operation :  "  Friihling  ist 
herbci  gekommen  u.  s.  w./'  and  "  Mein  Hciland  der 
dn  bist  mir,  u.  s.  w.,"  both  of  which  were  discovered 

57 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

in  1904  by  Rev.  A.  Stapleton  of  Wrightsville,  Penn- 
sylvania. 

The  rest  of  this  chapter  will  be  taken  up  with  an  ac- 
count of  the  first  book  issued  from  the  Sower  press, 
together  with  the  strange  incidents  connected  with  it. 

This  book  was  the  curious  W eyrauchs-H ii gel,  a 
large  hymn  book  prepared  by  the  Ephrata  community. 
It  was  a  duodecimo  volume  of  791  pages  in  all  and 
contained  692  hymns.    The  full  title  page  follows. 

Zionitischer  \V eyrauchs-H il gel  oder:  Myrrhen  Berg, 
IVorinncn  allcrley  lieblichcs  und  wohl  reichendes  nach 
Apothekcr-Kiinst  zii  hereitetes  Rauch-lVerck  zu  Men. 
Bestehcnd  In  allcrley  Licbes-Wiirckugen  der  in  Gott 
geheiligten  Seelen,  welche  sich  in  vielen  und  mancher- 
ley  geistUchcn  und  liehlichcn  Licdern  aus  gebildct. 
Als  darinnen  der  letzte  Ruff  zu  dent  Abendmahl  des 
grossen  Goftcs  auf  unterschiedliche  Weise  trcfHich  aus 
gedruckt  ist;  Zum  Dienst  Der  in  dent  Abend-L'dndi- 
schcn  Welt-Theil  als  bey  dent  Untergang  der  Sonnen 
erzvccken  Kirche  Gottes,  und  in  ihrer  Ermunterung 
auf  die  Mittcrnachtige  Zukunfft  des  Br'dutigams  ans 
Licht  gcgcbcn,  Germantown:  Gedruckt  hey  Chris- 
toph  Saur,  1/39. 

(Translation)  Zionitic  Hill  of  Incense  or  Mountain 
of  Myrrh,  wherein  are  to  be  found  all  sorts  of  lovely 
and  sweet-smelling  odors,  prepared  according  to  the 
apothecary's  art.  Consisting  of  all  sorts  of  Love- 
operations  in  divinely  sanctified  souls,  which  has  ex- 
pressed itself  in  many  and  various  spiritual  and  lovely 
Hymns.  Also  therein  the  last  call  to  the  supper  of  the 
great  God  is,  in  various  ways,  most  admirably  ex- 

58 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 

pressed,  for  the  service  of  those  who,  in  this  benighted 
part  of  the  world,  at  the  setting  of  the  sun,  awatcen 
God's  kingdom ;  and  for  their  encouragement  it  is 
given  to  the  hght  on  the  midnight  appearance  of  the 
Bridegroom.  Germantown :  Printed  by  Christopher 
Sower,  1739. 

This  fantastic  title  gives  expression  to  the  mysticism 
that  permeated  the  Zionitic  Brotherhood.  It  is  in  per- 
fect keeping  with  their  vagaries  and  the  want  of  real- 
ity in  so  much  of  their  life  and  conduct. 

This  was  the  first  large  piece  of  work  undertaken  by 
Sower.  The  almanac,  as  we  have  seen,  came  at  the 
end  of  the  year,  and  besides  the  three  fugitive  pieces 
to  which  reference  has  been  made,  nothing  is  known 
to  have  come  from  the  press  this  year. 

The  W cyrauchs-Hiigel  was  undertaken  in  the  early 
part  of  the  year  1738,  soon  after  the  installation  of 
the  press.  Since  the  work  was  being  done  for  the 
cloisterites,  as  many  of  them  as  had  had  any  experience 
in  a  printing  office  were  glad  to  lend  their  assistance 
and  so  help  to  pay  for  the  job.  These  were  Rev.  Peter 
Miller,  Samuel  Eckerling  and  Michael  Wohlfare. 
Peter  Miller,  who  was  an  experienced  printer,  was 
made  a  sort  of  general  supervisor  and  proof-reader. 
Eckerling  and  Wohlfare  set  most  of  the  type  and  acted 
as  an  advisory  board.  Israel  Eckerling  seems  also  to 
have  been  connected  with  the  work,  probably  in  oper- 
ating the  press  or  man  of  odd  jobs. 

Three  months  after  the  press  had  been  set  up,  work 
on  the  Weyranchs-Hiigel  was  progressing  nicely.  Ex- 
perienced workmen  had  been  found  to  set  the  type,  ar- 

59 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

range  the  forms,  correct  the  proofs,  and  so  forth.  It 
would  even  seem  that  Sower  had  already  begun  to 
manufacture  his  own  ink,  but  of  this  we  cannot  be 
quite  sure.  In  June  the  first  sheets  were  struck  oflf, 
and  great  must  have  been  the  joy,  both  of  the  printer 
and  his  associates,  when  they  spread  out  to  dry  the 
first  pages  of  the  first  book  to  be  printed  in  America 
in  German  type. 

Just  here  a  difficulty  arose,  however.  The  small 
supply  of  paper  on  hand  was  soon  used  up,  and  when 
the  printer  went  to  lay  in  a  new  supply,  none  was  to 
be  had.  This  made  an  awkward  situation,  but  a  care- 
ful investigation  proved  to  Sower  that  there  was  no 
paper  on  the  market. 

After  all  the  difficulties  of  procuring  the  press,  type 
and  other  supplies  had  been  overcome,  this  "  corner  " 
in  the  paper  market  presented  an  unexpected  obstacle. 
But  Benjamin  Franklin,  it  was  soon  learned,  had  a 
monopoly  on  the  whole  stock  of  paper  in  the  province, 
and  he  refused  to  let  Sower  have  any  except  for  cash 
and  at  his  own  price. 

Now,  Christopher  Sower,  whose  resources  had  al- 
ready been  taxed  to  the  uttermost,  could  not  produce 
the  cash  for  the  paper  needed  to  print  an  edition  of  a 
large  book,  and  that  at  an  exorbitant  price.  Finally 
the  difficulty  was  overcome  by  Conrad  Weiser,  one  of 
the  wealthiest  members  of  the  Ephrata  Brotherhood, 
going  to  Philadelphia  in  person  to  see  Franklin,  and 
pledging  his  personal  credit  for  the  amount  of  the 
paper  bill.    This  was  at  the  beginning  of  July.  The 

60 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


paper  was  now  delivered  and  work  on  the  book  was 
resumed. 

Franklin's  account  books  show  that  between  July  9 
and  September  8,  1738,  Conrad  Weiser  bought  of 
him  in  behalf  of  the  Ephrata  community  157  reams  of 
paper,  for  which  he  paid  93  pounds,  8  shillings,  and 
6  pence. 

This  conduct  on  the  part  of  Franklin  is  not  so  much 
to  be  wondered  at  when  we  remember  that  he  had  al- 
ready printed  three  hymn-books  for  the  Ephrataites, 
and  when  the  contract  for  this  fourth  book  was  given 
to  Sower,  Franklin  looked  upon  him  as  a  rival,  whose 
invasion  of  his  province  he  would  not  suffer  with  im- 
punity. 

After  this  hitch  with  Franklin,  work  on  the  hymn- 
book  went  forward  steadily,  but  not  without  many 
hindrances  and  annoyances.  The  Rev.  Peter  Miller 
proved  to  be  an  exacting  supervisor.  He  seems  to  have 
prided  himself  on  his  superior  knowledge  of  the  print- 
ing business  and  to  have  displayed  this  knowledge  on 
every  convenient  occasion  to  the  detriment  of  the  in- 
experienced printer.  A  letter  dated  at  Germantown, 
November  20,  1738,  and  printed  in  the  Geistliche 
Fama,  describes  the  situation  thus : 

"  Sower's  newly  established  printing  press  is  be- 
coming very  troublesome  to  him,  and  he  must  pay 
more  dearly  for  his  experience  in  this  venture  than 
in  anything  he  has  so  far  undertaken.  He  must  print 
for  the  Seven-dayers  {i.  e.,  those  who  keep  the  seventh 
day  of  the  week  holy)  a  large  hymn-book.  They  are 

61 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


exacting  and  particular  enough  about  it,  as  one  hears ; 
therefore  it  makes  him  much  trouble." 

But  these  were  not  the  greatest  of  his  trials.  As  the 
proofs  of  the  hymns  were  struck  ofif  during  the  prog- 
ress of  the  work,  his  conscience  several  times  troubled 
him  in  regard  to  the  tone  of  some  of  the  hymns,  which 
he  regarded  as  savoring  of  idolatry.  He  called  the 
attention  of  Miller  and  his  associates  to  the  question- 
able statements,  which  they  explained  in  a  manner  in- 
nocent enough.  As  the  work  was  theirs  and  he  pre- 
sumed they  ought  to  know  what  was  intended,  he  was 
glad  to  accept  their  interpretation. 

When  the  400th  hymn  was  put  in  type,  however,  and 
his  attention  was  called  to  it  by  the  proof-reader,  he 
protested  strongly  against  admitting  it  into  the  col- 
lection ;  for  it  seemed  to  him  "  to  be  a  fulsome  and  al- 
most idolatrous  glorification  of  Conrad  Beissel."  He 
wrote  Beissel  in  regard  to  it,  urging  him  to  omit  the  ob- 
jectionable hymn  and  giving  his  reasons  in  full  for  so 
doing.  Beissel  replied  with  haughty  insolence  but 
ignored  the  particular  objections  that  Sower  had 
urged.  To  this  insolent  letter  Sower  replied  with  a 
volley  of  sarcasm.  Thus  on  both  sides  the  contest 
waxed  warm,  and  the  feelings  engendered  grew  ex- 
ceedingly bitter.  The  controversy  was  unfortunate 
and  ended  in  an  estrangement  that  lasted  several  years. 
It  is  just  to  add  that  the  relations  of  these  two  men  in 
later  life  were  altogether  cordial.  This  was  true  es- 
pecially after  1744,  the  year  in  which  Sower's  wife 
broke  through  the  mystic  veil  that  had  so  long  be- 
clouded her  vision  and  held  her  from  home  and  fam- 

62 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


ily,  and  returned  once  more  to  her  own.  Both  men 
were  doubtless  sorry  for  their  part  in  the  dispute,  and 
now  charitably  cast  the  mantle  of  forgiveness  over 
their  unfortunate  difference. 

The  controversy  just  referred  to  does  not  seem  to 
have  materially  interfered  with  the  progress  of  the 
book,  as  it  was  finished  early  in  the  next  year  (1739), 
about  twelve  months  from  the  time  it  was  begun.  It 
was  issued  in  an  almost  incredibly  short  time,  when 
we  take  all  the  circumstances  into  consideration,  and  is 
highly  creditable  to  the  printer  and  those  associated 
with  him  in  its  production. 

The  preface  is  dated  Ephrata,  the  14th  day  of  the 
4th  month,  1739,  which  fixes  approximately  the  date 
at  which  the  work  was  completed.  "  This  book,"  says 
Prof.  Seidensticker,  "  contains  654  hymns  in  33  divi- 
sions, each  inscribed  with  a  heading  as  fantastic  as  the 
general  title.  After  page  744  follows  an  appendix  of 
38  hymns  with  a  separate  title." 

The  book  contains  nearly  all  the  hymns  in  the 
three  Franklin  prints,  which  all  together  numbered 
one  hundred  and  forty-nine,  together  with  some  new 
ones  composed  by  Beissel  and  his  associates  especial- 
ly for  this  collection.  Most  of  the  hymns,  however, 
were  obtained  elsewhere,  mainly  from  the  Kleine 
Davidische  Psalterspiel  der  Kinder  Zions,  a  collection 
of  hymns  first  published  in  Germany  and  later  several 
times  in  this  country  by  Sower.  To  these  were  added 
some  popular  German  airs,  doubtless  because  the  tunes 
were  familiar  and  the  songs  were  general  favorites. 

The  issue  of  the  Weyrauchs-Hiigel  was  an  impor- 
63 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


tant  event  in  the  history  of  German  printing  in  Amer- 
ica in  general,  and  of  German  Baptist  printing  in  par- 
ticular. While  Andrew  Bradford  and  Benjamin 
Franklin  had  heen  printing  German  books  and  periodi- 
cals in  Philadelphia  for  some  ten  years,  they  had,  as 
we  have  seen,  no  German  type,  and  all  their  publica- 
tions were  issued  in  Roman  characters.  This  first 
volume  of  the  Sower  press  is  therefore  the  first  en- 
tirely German  book  produced  in  the  new  world. 

As  regards  German  Baptist  printing,  it  may  be  said 
that  with  the  issue  of  this  book  Sower's  Rubicon  was 
crossed.  Sorely  taxed  as  he  had  been,  in  resources  and 
in  patience,  during  this  first  year,  he  gradually  got 
more  squarely  on  his  feet,  as  he  mastered  the  details 
of  his  business,  and  felt  more  and  more  at  home  in  his 
new  calling.  It  was  not  many  years  until  his  press  was 
one  of  the  most  active  in  the  country,  and  as  an  editor 
he  was  soon  recognized  as  a  power  in  directing  public 
opinion. 

To  the  establishment  of  this  press  the  Dunker  church 
owes  in  large  measure  the  first  period  of  its  greatness. 
By  what  conscientious  principles  Christopher  Sower 
was  actuated  in  his  public  work  will  appear  more  fully 
in  the  course  of  this  narrative.  As  the  leader  of  his 
countrymen  in  their  new  environment,  and  as  the  de- 
fender of  their  rights,  he  will  always  hold  an  honored 
place  in  the  esteem  of  posterity.  While  he  did  not  pub- 
lish a  "  church  paper  "  or  pose  as  a  religious  leader, 
he  carried  the  principles  of  Christianity  into  everything 
he  did,  and  thus  found  himself  the  acknowledged  lead- 
er of  a  much  larger  following  than  the  particular 

64 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


religious  body  with  whicli  he  affiliated.  Broad-minded, 
liberty-lovint;-,  conscientious,  he  stood  for  the  highest 
interests  of  his  fellows  as  Christians  and  as  men,  and 
thus  made  himself  the  leader  of  the  German  popula- 
tion of  the  new  world  independent  of  sect  or  creed. 

Note. — The  history  of  the  people  variously  known  as 
Sabbatarians,  Ephrataites,  Solitary  Hermits,  Mystics, 
Zionitic  Brotherhood,  Hermits  of  the  Cocalico,  etc.,  to 
whom  reference  is  repeatedly  made  in  these  pages,  needs 
a  few  words  of  explanation.  They  have  generally  been 
identified  with  the  German  Baptists  and  their  peculiari- 
ties and  extravagances  attributed  to  them.  For  the  sake 
of  historical  accuracy,  therefore,  a  word  of  explanation 
as  to  the  relationship  of  the  two  bodies  is  essential.  It 
should  be  noted  that  the  Ephrata  Society  never  was  a 
part  of  the  Dunker  or  German  Baptist  church,  but  was 
an  offshoot  from  it.  It  was  the  result  of  the  first  division 
after  the  organization  of  the  church,  and  occurred  in  1728. 
The  leader  of  the  movement  was  Conrad  Beissel,  who 
came  to  America  in  1720.  He  settled  at  Germantown. 
As  he  was  poor  he  apprenticed  himself  to  Elder  Peter 
Becker  to  learn  the  weaver's  trade.  He  remained  with 
him  about  a  year.  In  1724  he  received  baptism  at  the 
hands  of  Elder  Becker.  Almost  immediately  he  was  put 
to  the  ministry  and  began  to  preach.  It  was  not  long 
until  he  began  to  utter  strange  doctrines.  He  denounced 
marriages  and  advocated  the  celibate  state  as  the  only 
one  in  which  full  Christian  character  could  be  attained. 
He  also  accepted  the  seventh  day  as  the  Sabbath.  In 
1728  he  published  a  defense  of  his  views.  The  Brethren, 
or  Dunkers,  with  whom  he  was  still  in  partial  fellowship, 
remonstrated  with  him,  but  to  no  avail.  Finally  in  De- 
cember of  this  year  he  openly  renounced  all  relationship 
with  the  Dunkers  and  organized  an  independent  body. 
One  of  his  followers,  Jan  Meyle  by  name,  at  his  request 


65 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


baptized  him  in  the  Conestoga  creek.  Then  he  in  turn 
rebaptized  all  who  were  willing  to  accept  his  doctrine. 
In  this  way  he  "washed  his  hands"  of  having  any  further 
part  or  parcel  with  the  Brethren.  Now  began  those 
strange  practices  that  have  so  often  and  so  erroneously 
been  attributed  to  the  German  Baptists.  He  organized  a 
monastic  system.  This  provided  for  three  classes  of  in- 
mates, spiritual  virgins,  solitary  brethren,  and  household 
members;  this  last  being  provid^ed  for  those  who  had 
previously  married  and  now  wished  to  join  the  society. 
For  several  years  the  growth  of  the  organization  was  not 
rapid.  In  1733  the  first  building  was  erected.  It  stood 
on  the  bank  of  the  Cocalico  creek,  at  what  is  now 
Ephrata.  It  was  for  the  spiritual  virgins.  It  was  a  small 
building  and  was  later  replaced  by  Saron,  the  women's 
house.  Bethesda  was  the  home  of  the  solitary  brethren. 
The  Saal  was  the  house  of  worship.  Other  buildings 
were  added  later.  The  organization  was  governed  by  a 
superintendent,  with  the  aid  of  a  prior,  a  prioress,  and 
other  officers.  The  members  wore  monastic  garbs  and 
the  men  submitted  to  the  tonsure.  The  government  was 
communistic.  All  worked  part  of  the  day  at  least,  and 
the  proceeds  from  whatever  source  went  into  the  com- 
mon treasury.  As  early  as  1745  the  Society  had  its  own 
printing  press,  which,  next  after  the  Sower  press  in  Ger- 
mantovvn,  became  the  most  influential  German  press  in 
colonial  America.  Music,  embroidery,  designing,  engross- 
ing, hymn-writing,  book-binding  and  the  like  were  some 
of  the  more  artistic  occupations  that  engaged  their  atten- 
tion. The  Society  flourished  during  the  lifetime  of 
Beissel.  After  his  death  in  1768  it  began  to  decline,  and 
in  the  course  of  the  following  century  completely  passed 
away.  The  old  buildings  are  almost  all  that  remains 
to  tell  the  story  of  the  quaint,  devout,  but  sadly 
misguided  mystics  that  once  inhabited  here.  Celibacy, 
the  observance  of  the  seventh  day  as  the  Sabbath,  the 
communistic  system  of  government,  the  monastic  sys- 

66 


Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press 


tern  of  life  and  the  monastic  garb,  together  with  a  gen- 
eral air  of  mysticism  that  enveloped  all  their  thought 
and  actions,  were  the  most  distinct  traits  of  this  strange 
organization.  With  none  of  these  did  the  Dunker  church 
ever  have  any  part  or  parcel.  During  the  whole  history 
of  the  Ephrata  Society  there  was  no  affiliation  whatever 
between  the  two  bodies.  On  the  other  hand  Ephrata 
became  a  city  of  refuge  for  any  who  from  any  cause  be- 
came dissatisfied  within  the  ranks  of  the  German  Bap- 
tists. Why  two  bodies  so  entirely  distinct  should  have 
been  so  generally  confused  in  the  minds  of  the  public, 
and  for  so  long  a  time,  is  not  very  clear. 


67 


CHAPTER  III. 


The  Sower  Bibles. 

First  Edition. 
After  the  Weyranchs-Hiigel  was  completed  and  the 
Pensylvanische  Geschict-Schreiher  had  been  securely 
established,  Christopher  Sower  undertook  a  work  that, 
of  itself,  would  have  made  his  press  famous  and  have 
clothed  his  name  with  everlasting  honor.  This  monu- 
mental work  was  his  printing  of  the  Bible  in  German 
characters. 

The  greatness  of  this  undertaking  we,  of  the  present 
day,  cannot  fully  understand  or  appreciate.  The  diffi- 
culties that  arose  in  the  process  of  the  work,  and  the 
continual  opposition  and  annoyance  to  which  the  ven- 
turesome printer  was  subjected  were  trying  in  the  ex- 
treme. To  a  person  less  sturdy  and  determined  than 
Sower  they  would  have  been  insurmountable.  The 
heroic  manner  in  which  he  overcame  every  obstacle  and 
carried  his  worthy  enterprise  to  a  successful  issue  is 
one  of  the  triumphs  of  the  printing  business. 

As  soon  as  Sower  had  established  himself  as  a  print- 
er in  Germantown  and  had  begun  his  career  as  a  pub- 
lic servant,  he  supplied  himself  with  a  stock  of  Bibles 
and  Testaments,  which  he  dispensed  to  his  countrymen. 
These  comprised  several  editions,  the  most  important 
of  which  were  those  printed  at  Halle  and  at  Berle- 
burg.    The  Halle  Bibles  were,  for  the  most  part,  of 

68 


The  Sower  Bibles 


small  size  and  in  fine  print ;  and  some  of  them  not  very 
expensive.  Many  of  these  were  distributed  by  Sower, 
"  gratis  to  the  poor  and  needy,  and  for  money  to  such 
as  were  able  to  pay  the  price,"  as  he  himself  states  in 
his  prospectus. 

These  Bibles  were  objected  to,  however,  by  some  of 
the  sterner  sort  in  the  different  dissenting  sects,  be- 
cause of  vague  doubts  as  to  their  authenticity.  Printed 
as  they  were  at  the  Francke  Institution,  the  strong- 
hold of  Lutheran  Pietism,  they  could  not  easily  be  dis- 
associated in  the  minds  of  the  Separatists  from  va- 
rious European  experiences  that  still  rankled  in  their 
hearts.  The  only  other  low-priced  Bibles  in  German 
sold  at  this  time  in  America  were  those  printed  at 
Amsterdam,  but  I  have  not  found  any  evidence  that 
Sower  handled  any  of  them. 

The  Berleburg  Bible  was  liked  exceedingly  by  all  the 
nonorthodox  sects,  including  the  German  Baptists. 
This  famous  edition  was  completed  in  1726  after  being 
in  press  some  five  or  six  years.  It  was  issued  by  the 
dissenting  bodies  in  Germany  who  distrusted  the  edi- 
tions brought  out  under  the  influence  of  the  estabUshed 
churches.  Alexander  Mack  and  perhaps  some  of  the 
other  early  Dunkers  contributed  liberally  to  the  under- 
taking. It  was  printed  in  large  type  and  bound  in 
four  large  folio  volumes.  It  generally  sold  for  about 
twenty-five  dollars,  and  by  Sower,  according  to  his 
price-list,  for  four  pounds,  fifteen  shillings. 

This  was  the  only  German  Bible  on  sale  in  America 
that  was  entirely  to  the  liking  of  all  the  dissenting 
denominations.  Besides  enjoying  their  complete  con- 

69 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

fidence  as  to  its  contents,  it  had  also  the  advantage  of 
being  printed  in  large  type;  and  considering  the  scar- 
city of  spectacles  in  those  days,  especially  among  the 
poorer  classes,  it  was  almost  the  only  Bible  that  many 
of  the  older  persons  were  able  to  read.  The  high  price, 
however,  made  it  inaccessible  to  the  greater  part  of  the 
German  immigrants. 

This  was  the  situation  that  confronted  Sower  soon 
after  he  had  established  his  press  in  Germantown,  and 
caused  him  to  consider  seriously  the  advisability,  or 
rather,  I  should  say,  the  possibility  of  producing  an 
American  edition  of  God's  Word.  Clearly  another  edi- 
tion was  needed :  one  that  should  combine  the  various 
excellences  of  the  several  editions  already  referred  to 
— cheapness,  large  print,  and  above  all,  freedom  from 
questionable  matter. 

Just  how  early  the  thought  of  publishing  such  a 
Bible  first  presented  itself  to  Sower,  we  have  at  this 
time  no  way  of  knowing.  At  any  rate,  early  in  1740 
the  plan  had  taken  definite  shape  in  his  mind.  In  the 
early  part  of  this  year  he  published  a  broadside,  an- 
nouncing his  purpose  to  print  the  entire  Bible  in  Ger- 
man characters,  and  giving  a  prospectus  of  the  work. 
The  sheet  was  9  1-2  by  7  1-2  inches,  the  size  of  a 
leaf  to  be  used  in  his  proposed  work.  The  reverse 
showed  a  specimen  of  the  type  that  was  to  be  used. 

This  prospectus  sets  forth  the  purpose  and  plan  of 
the  printer  fully,  and  I  have  reproduced  it  entire.^ 

"  It  is  to  some  extent  known  that  at  different  times 


'  From  copy  In  the  library  of  the  Pennsylvania  Historical 
Society. 

70 


The  Sower  Bibles 


Bibles,  New  Testaments,  etc.,  etc.,  have  been  sent  to 
the  pubHsher  at  Germantown,  some  of  which  went  to 
the  needy  without  pay,  others  were  sold,  and  the 
money  given  to  the  poor.  This  we  have  done  so  far 
as  it  would  reach ;  but  in  the  meantime  we  have  seen 
that  it  did  not  go  far,  because  many  would  have  been 
glad  to  pay  for  Bibles  and  Testaments,  if  they  were 
only  to  be  had.  Although  at  different  times  some 
were  brought  over  from  Germany,  so  high  a  price  was 
often  set  upon  them,  that  many  were  frightened  away 
or  were  not  able  to  pay  the  price. 

"  We  have  also  taken  notice  that  people  from  Ger- 
many arrive  here  in  the  greatest  poverty,  and  are  still 
coming,  who  have  not  even  a  Bible,  and  are  not  able 
to  get  one.  Many  come  first  as  servants  to  English 
people,  who  either  have  no  Bible  themselves  nor  read 
one,  and  on  the  contrary  have  nothing  but  their  work 
to  talk  about,  to  say  nothing  of  what  is  still  worse. 
When  then  such  persons  settle  down  at  a  distance, 
their  beginning  is  usually  nothing  but  work,  and  what- 
ever else  corrupt  nature  brings  with  it.  The  children 
are  likewise  brought  up  in  this  manner.  And  as  in 
Germany,  the  institution  of  churches  and  schools  are 
not  wanting  to  bring  the  letters  into  the  minds  of 
young  and  old  (although  the  true  fear  of  God  and  the 
Christian  virtues  are  little  touched  upon),  and  as  now 
also  the  Bible  is  printed  in  the  language  of  the  Turks ; 
yet  the  circumstances  of  this  country  are  bringing 
about  such  a  state  of  affairs,  that  ( to  speak  generally) 
the  ignorance  of  the  letters  seems  to  increase  with 
many  as  time  goes  on. 

71 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


"  Now  as  we  believe  we  have  the  ability  to  meet 
this  need  in  part,  we  are  anxious  to  contribute  our 
share  to  it. 

"  Since,  however,  such  an  edition  of  the  Bible  will 
require  a  greater  expenditure  than  we  are  able  to  lay 
out,  it  has  seemed  necessary  to  invite  advance  sub- 
scriptions, or  to  speak  plainly,  that  every  one  who  may 
desire  a  Bible  shall  send  in  his  name  and  pay  half  a 
crown,  which  is  necessary  first,  that  we  may  know  how 
many  we  may  hope  to  print.  And  secondly,  that  we 
may  have  some  assistance  towards  the  publication,  be- 
cause the  paper  for  one  Bible  alone  will  cost  seven 
shillings  and  six  pence.  And  thirdly,  since  it  will  be 
necessary  for  us  to  borrow  something  towards  the  pub- 
lication, that  we  may  know  how  we  may  be  released 
again.  And  lastly,  because  this  country  is  still  so  new, 
we  have  as  yet  no  precedent  before  us. 

"  As  regards  size,  we  are  willing  that  it  shall  be  a 
large  quarto,  that  is,  in  length  and  breadth  like  this 
sheet,  and  of  such  type  as  the  present,  which  we  be- 
lieve will  be  legible  to  old  people  as  well  as  young. 
The  thickness  of  the  book  will  be  about  a  hand  high. 
We  are  willing  to  use  good  paper  in  it. 

"  We  are  not  willing  to  add  any  explanations  or  in- 
terpretations, because  we  hope  that  every  one  who 
reads  the  Holy  Writ  with  an  upright  heart  will,  under 
the  leading  and  fear  of  God,  learn  to  realize  his  misery 
and  ruined  condition.  When  he  realizes  this  he  will 
long  for  the  true  Redeemer,  and  when  he  shall  learn 
to  know  his  Redeemer  and  see  how  He  will  release 
him  from  his  misery,  he  will  love  Him ;  and  because  he 

72 


The  Sower  Bibles 


loves  Him,  he  will  keep  His  Word.  Yes,  if  he  keeps 
His  Word,  the  Father  will  love  iiim  and  will  come  to 
him  and  make  His  home  with  him.  And  then  when 
Divinity  dwells  in  him  the  Holy  Ghost  will  be  the  best 
expounder  of  His  Words,  which  Moses,  the  proph- 
ets, Christ,  along  with  apostles  and  evangelists  have 
spoken  and  written.  This  will  be  the  truest  (rich- 
tigste)  interpretation. 

"  As  regards  the  price,  of  this  we  can  say  nothing 
definite.  First,  because  we  do  not  know  yet  how  many 
we  shall  print,  as  a  small  edition  will  make  the  book 
more  costly,  while  many  will  make  each  come  cheaper. 
Secondly,  because  divers  good  friends  of  truth  and 
lovers  of  divine  teaching,  out  of  love  to  God  and 
their  needy  neighbors,  have  already  contributed  some- 
thing and  still  others  have  offered  to  do  so ;  partly 
that  the  Bible  may  be  issued  at  a  low  price,  partly  that 
the  economical  or  stingy  may  have  no  excuse  and  the 
poor  may  not  be  burdened.  After  more  such  benefac- 
tors are  found,  and  we  are  enabled  to  act,  the  price  will 
be  fixed.  However,  this  much  we  can  say,  that  un- 
bound none  will  cost  more  than  fourteen  shillings, 
which  it  is  hoped  no  one  will  consider  dear,  when  he 
remembers  that  printing  paper  in  this  country  is  at 
least  four  times  as  expensive  as  in  Germany." 

Who  these  "  good  friends  of  truth  and  lovers  of  di- 
vine teaching "  were  that  were  willing  to  encourage 
the  enterprise  with  their  means  as  well  as  their  words, 
we  have  now  no  way  of  knowing.  We  may  be  sure, 
however,  that  they  were  some  of  the  early  Brethren  or 
Dunkers.   It  would  be  exceedingly  interesting  to  know 

73 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


the  names  of  all  who  encouraged  this  great  enterprise 
in  any  way,  but  with  the  exception  of  the  daring  print- 
er, we  do  not  know  a  single  person  who  bore  any  part 
of  the  responsibilities  of  the  undertaking.  Besides 
the  Brethren,  it  may  be  that  some  of  the  Ephrataites 
lent  financial  aid,  as  it  is  known  that  many  of  them 
were  kindly  disposed  towards  Sower,  and  when  the 
work  of  printing  actually  began,  he  employed  several 
of  them  on  the  work.  It  is  probable,  too,  that  adher- 
ents to  other  dissenting  bodies,  such  as  the  Mennon- 
ites  and  the  Schwenkfelders,  may  have  aided  to  the 
extent  at  least  of  sending  in  advance  subscriptions. 

It  is  certain  that  no  aid  or  encouragement  was  to  be 
expected  from  the  so-called  orthodox  Protestants,  the 
Lutherans  and  Reformed,  as  their  ministers  were 
agents  for  the  Halle  and  Amsterdam  Bibles  and  ar- 
rayed themselves  from  the  beginning  against  Sower 
and  his  enterprise.  Their  opposition  grew  exceeding- 
ly bitter  and  their  misrepresentations  of  Sower  and 
his  purpose  were  mercilessly  unjust.  This  was  only 
one,  however,  of  the  hindrances  and  annoyances  which 
came  up  in  the  course  of  getting  the  Bible  in  print. 
Of  these  we  shall  speak  more  fully  a  little  later. 

This  opposition  seems  all  the  more  remarkable  from 
the  fact  that  Sower  had  taken  the  precaution  to  assure 
the  public  that  he  was  unwilling  to  make  any  com- 
ments or  place  any  interpretations  on  the  text  of  the 
Holy  Writ.  His  sole  desire  was  to  get  the  pure  text 
of  God's  Word  in  the  hands  of  the  people,  trusting  to 
the  guidance  and  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  lead 
men  into  the  ways  of  right  and  truth. 

74 


The  Sower  Bibles 


After  the  broadside  was  issued,  some  eighteen 
months  passed  during  which  sufficient  advance  sub- 
scriptions and  possibly  a  few  donations  came  in,  so 
that  Sower  felt  justified  in  carrying  his  plan  into  ef- 
fect. He  inserted  in  his  almanac  for  1742  an  an- 
nouncement that  the  proposed  Bible  would  be  printed, 
and  otherwise  called  attention  to  the  nature  of  his 
undertaking. 

By  March  of  the  next  year  he  had  sufficiently  ma- 
tured his  plans  to  publish  the  following  announce- 
ment in  English  in  the  two  leading  Philadelphia  pa- 
pers, The  Pennsylvania  Gazette,  edited  and  owned  by 
Franklin,  and  Andrew  Bradford's  Weekly  Mercury. 
It  appeared  in  the  Gazette  for  March  31,  1742,  and 
on  the  following  day  in  the  Mercury. 

"  Whereas  Numbers  of  the  Dutch  People  of  the 
Province,  especially  of  the  New  Comers,  are  through 
mere  Poverty  unable  to  furnish  themselves  with  Bi- 
bles in  their  own  language,  at  the  advanced  Price 
that  those  which  are  brought  from  Germany  are 
usually  sold  at  here :  Therefore  Christopher  Sauer  of 
Germantown  proposes  to  print  a  High-Dutch  Bible 
in  large  Quarto,  and  in  a  Character  that  may  easily 
be  read  even  by  old  Eyes.  And  several  well-meaning 
people  having  promised  to  contribute  something  to- 
wards the  Encouragement  of  the  Work  in  General, 
that  the  Books  may  be  afforded  cheaper  to  real  poor 
Persons  whether  servants  or  others ;  Notice  is  hereby 
given,  that  the  said  Work  (God  willing)  will  be  be- 
gun about  the  end  of  this  Instant  April ;  and  that 
some  Judgment  may  be  made  of  the  quantity  neces- 

75 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


sary  to  be  printed,  all  persons  who  are  inclined  to  en- 
courage the  work,  or  to  have  one  or  more  of  the  said 
Bibles,  may  subscribe  before  that  time  with  the  above- 
said  Christopher  Sauer  in  Germantown,  or  with  Ben- 
jamin Franklin  in  Philadelphia.  2  s.  and  6  d.  is  to 
be  paid  down  towards  each  Bible  (for  which  receipts 
will  be  given)  and  the  Remainder  on  Delivery  of  the 
Books,  which,  'tis  expected,  will  be  in  about  a  Twelve- 
month. If  no  Charitable  Contributions  towards  it  are 
received,  the  Price  of  each  Bible  will  not  exceed  14 
shillings,  and  it  shall  be  as  much  less  as  those  Con- 
tributions will  enable  the  Printer  to  afford ;  of  which 
Contributions  a  fair  Account  shall  be  given  the  Pub- 
lick." 

Germantown,  March  26,  1742. 

The  notice  in  the  Weekly  Mercury  was  just  like  the 
above  with  the  exception  that  Andrew  Bradford's 
name  was  inserted  in  the  place  of  Benjamin  Frank- 
lin's. By  these  advertisements,  it  will  be  observed. 
Sower  constituted  both  Franklin  and  Bradford  as 
agents  for  his  forthcoming  Bible.  Now  that  he  had 
fully  committed  himself  to  bring  out  the  Bible,  let  us 
see  what  the  venturesome  printer  was  up  against. 

In  the  first  place,  as  we  have  seen,  Christopher 
Sower  did  not  have  the  capital  necessary  to  finance 
an  enterprise  such  as  the  present  one.  He  had  asked 
for  advance  subscriptions,  it  is  true,  and  had  received 
some,  but  the  down  payment  was  small  and  all  that 
he  could  have  received  from  this  source  would  have 
gone  only  a  short  way  towards  carrying  through  an 

76 


The  Sower  Bibles 


enterprise  like  the  one  in  hand.  He  had  also  the 
l)romise  of  donations,  but  by  his  own  words,  they 
were  only  promises  and  only  several  of  them.  Cer- 
tainly from  the  financial  point  of  view,  the  under- 
taking scorned  to  be  attended  with  great  risk. 

By  training,  too,  Sower  was  far  from  being  an  ex- 
perienced printer.  He  had  been  farmer,  tailor,  clock 
maker,  mechanic,  and  all  will  concede  that  he  was 
more  than  ordinarily  ingenious,  but  it  is  impossible 
that  he  could  have  been  skilled  in  the  various  details 
of  the  printer's  art.  It  was  only  a  few  years  since  he 
had  set  up  his  printing  press.  He  had  printed  one 
large  book  and  several  others,  and  had  established  a 
monthly  newspaper,  and  did  a  general  jobbing-ofiice 
business.  But  in  the  higher  branches  of  the  art,  such 
as  proof-reading  and  designing,  he  had  made  but  lit- 
tle progress,  and  in  managing  his  business  on  as  large 
a  scale  as  the  present  undertaking  would  require  he 
had  had  no  experience. 

Again  he  was  not  equipped  to  perform  a  piece  of 
work  like  the  present.  To  issue  a  large  edition  of  a 
quarto  Bible  was  a  stupendous  undertaking  in  those 
days.  The  little  shop  in  Germantown  was  but  poorly 
equipped  for  such  an  enterprise.  To  carry  it  through 
successfully,  tons  of  paper  were  required,  font  upon 
font  of  additional  type  was  needed,  and  above  all 
skilled  workmen  were  indispensable.  Under  the  cir- 
cumstances none  of  these  seemed  obtainable,  and  to  a 
spirit  less  resolute  than  Sower  these  difficulties  would 
have  seemed  insurmountable.  How  clearly  he  saw  his 
way  in  all  this  we  have  no  means  of  knowing.  He  prob- 

77 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


ably  penetrated  the  gloom  with  an  insight  of  which  we 
can  now  form  little  estimate,  or,  may  he  have  simply 
trusted  his  enterprise  to  the  guidance  of  an  All-wise 
Providence,  relying  upon  the  belief  that  such  a  worthy 
cause  would  not  be  allowed  to  fail? 

It  would  seem  that  the  necessary  type  was  procured 
from  a  type  foundry  in  Germany.  Just  how  it  was  se- 
cured, however,  does  not  seem  to  be  known. 

As  to  the  paper,  Sower's  experience  with  Franklin 
while  he  was  printing  the  IVeyrauchs-Hiigel  had 
taught  him  a  lesson.  He  had  experienced  the  disagree- 
able effects  of  a  corner  in  the  paper  market,  in  the 
midst  of  an  important  piece  of  work.  Resolved  not 
to  be  taken  a  second  time  in  the  same  snare,  he  for- 
tified himself  on  this  score  by  establishing  a  paper- 
mill  of  his  own.  Who  may  have  aided  him  in  this 
or  have  furnished  means  towards  it,  if  any  one,  we 
at  the  present  time  do  not  know.  Most  of  the  paper 
used  in  the  Bibles  was  undoubtedly  made  in  Sower's 
mill.  Linen  rags  were  solicited  for  this  purpose  and 
were  made  up  into  an  excellent  quality  of  book  paper. 
The  fact  that  a  few  leaves  in  several  copies  of  the 
Bible  have  been  found  to  contain  the  Ephrata  water 
mark,  shows  that  a  little  of  the  paper  must  have  been 
made  at  the  Ephrata  mills.  But  there  is  no  reason  to 
believe  that  more  than  a  very  small  portion  of  it  came 
from  there. 

The  ink  with  which  the  Bible  was  printed  was  also 
manufactured  by  Sower.  It  was  made  chiefly  of 
linseed  oil  and  soot.  These  were  boiled  together  in 
a  large  kettle  until  the  mixture  reached  a  certain  con- 

78 


The  Sower  Bibles 


sistency,  being  stirred  all  the  time.  The  quality  was 
determined  largely  by  the  color  and  fineness  of  the 
soot,  which,  in  turn,  was  determined  by  the  fuel  used. 
This  made  an  excellent  quality  of  ink,  far  superior  to 
that  made  at  Ephrata  and  used  in  the  cloister  publica- 
tions, which  have  been  so  highly  and  deservedly 
praised. 

The  Ephrata  ink  was  made  of  copperas  and  gum 
arable  in  equal  quantities  with  a  double  portion  of  gall 
nuts,  all  dissolved  in  a  sufficient  quantity  of  rain  water 
to  give  it  the  proper  thickness.  To  this  a  little  vine- 
gar was  sometimes  added.  This  ink  produced  beauti- 
ful work  but  was  lacking  in  enduring  qualities.  Long 
standing  impaired  it  and  exposure  to  the  light  faded 
it.  Some  of  the  finest  ornamental  work  produced  at 
the  cloister  has  been  practically  lost  by  the  ink's  fad- 
ing. Sower's  Bibles,  on  the  other  hand,  are  as  clear 
and  distinct  today  as  they  were  the  day  they  came  from 
the  press.  His  ink  enjoyed  for  a  long  time  the  dis- 
tinction of  being  the  best  printer's  ink  manufactured 
in  America. 

So  it  was  that  the  material  equipment  for  bringing 
out  the  Bible  was  provided  very  largely  by  Sower's 
own  ingenuity.  But  one  element  was  yet  lacking, 
without  which  the  whole  plan  was  still  doomed  to 
failure.  This  was  skilled  labor  to  do  the  work  of 
typesetting,  proof-reading,  designing  title  pages,  and 
so  forth.  All  records  are  peculiarly  silent  as  to  these 
matters.  History  has  not  preserved  a  name,  except 
that  of  the  printer,  in  connection  with  this  all-impor- 
tant work.   His  resourcefulness  here,  as  in  many  an- 

79 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

other  trying  situation,  triumphed  again  over  Ihe  diffi- 
culty and  secured  the  needed  help.  Whom  he  secured, 
or  by  what  means,  we  shall  perhaps  never  know.  That 
the  work  was  done  promptly  and  accurately,  however, 
the  results  fully  demonstrate.  The  Bible  is  singularly 
free  from  errors  of  any  kind,  and  that  the  type  and 
proof  work  were  done  by  skilled  workmen  there  can 
be  no  doubt. 

In  the  absence  of  any  documentary  evidence,  cer- 
tain conditions  existing  at  the  time  may  throw  some 
light  on  the  situation.  It  is  known  that  several  of 
Sower's  personal  friends  of  many  years'  standing,  who 
had  had  experience  in  Europe  as  printers  and  proof- 
readers, were  now  living  in  the  neighborhood  of  Ger- 
mantown.  One  of  these  was  Jacob  Gass,  who,  it  is 
supposed,  procured  the  printing  press  for  Sower  some 
four  years  before  this.  As  we  have  seen,  he  was  bap- 
tized at  the  same  time  with  Sower  and  they  had  long 
been  close  friends.  Gass  was  now  living  at  Ephrata 
but  was  in  constant  communication  with  the  German- 
town  printer.  He  had  been  a  practical  printer  in  Eu- 
rope,and  there  is  scarcely  a  doubt  that  in  this  time  of 
need  Sower  secured  his  aid.  There  was  also  John 
Hildebrand,  a  highly  educated  man,  who  had  learned 
the  trade  of  typesetting  in  Germany.  For  several 
years  he  had  lived  as  a  neighbor  to  Christopher  Sower 
in  Germantown.  Being  members  of  the  same  church, 
they  had  worshiped  together.  Although  at  this  time 
he  had  gone  over  to  the  monastics  and  was  living  at 
Ephrata,  there  is  evidence  that  while  Sower's  Bible 
was  being  printed  he  was  in  Germantown.  The  natu- 

80 


The  Sower  Bibles 


ral  presumption  is  that  he  was  assisting  in  the  work. 
The  presumption  is  all  the  stronger  from  the  fact  that 
Hildebrand  did  not  get  on  well  with  Beissel  ajid  his 
life  at  Ephrata  was  not  happy.  Israel  Eckerling,  also, 
who  had  worked  on  Sower's  farm  in  the  Miihlbach 
valley,  knew  something  of  printing-office  work,  hav- 
ing been  employed  in  this  capacity  for  a  short  time 
before  coming  to  this  country.  He,  too,  had  joined 
the  Monastic  Brotherhood,  but  was  probably  glad 
for  the  opportunity  to  render  a  service  to  his  old  mas- 
ter. Besides  these  there  was  Peter  Miller,  one  of  the 
leaders  of  the  Ephrata  movement,  who  had  performed 
an  important  part  in  the  publication  of  Sower's  first 
book,  the  IVeyrauchs-Hiigel.  Tradition  has  it  that  he 
was  again  employed  by  Sower  in  the  production  of  the 
Bible,  and  we  can  well  believe  that  the  tradition  is  true. 

Whom  else  the  printer  may  have  secured  on  the 
work  it  is  now  impossible  to  tell.  There  were  still 
others  at  Ephrata  that  could  have  given  useful  aid. 
The  probabilities  in  favor  of  those  I  have  mentioned 
amount  almost  to  proof. 

One  other  consideration  confronted  Sower  of  rather 
an  alarming  kind.  His  proposition  to  print  the  Bible 
was  made  in  violation  of  an  act  of  the  British  Parlia- 
ment. By  this  Act  the  privilege  of  printing  the  Bible 
in  England  and  the  British  possessions  was  vested  in 
certain  institutions,  such  as  the  Universities  of  Oxford 
and  Cambridge.  Had  any  prosecution  been  instituted 
against  Sower,  he  would  doubtless  have  been  fined  or 
imprisoned,  or  both,  and  his  property  confiscated. 
Fortunately,  on  this  score,  he  was  unmolested. 

81 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

When  we  consider  all  these  difficulties  that  con- 
fronted Sower  at  the  very  beginning  of  his  enterprise, 
and  the  resolute  manner  in  which  he  set  about  to  over- 
come them  one  after  another,  we  must  admire  him  all 
the  more;  for  his  every  act  is  prompted  by  his  unself- 
ish devotion  to  the  interests  of  his  fellow-men.  With- 
out sufficient  equipment  or  experience,  without  hope  of 
financial  returns,  with  the  prospect  of  punishment  and 
confiscation  of  property,  he  was  willing  to  undertake 
a  work  of  the  greatest  difficulty,  because  he  was  con- 
vinced that  it  would  redound  to  tlie  good  of  his  fel- 
low-men. A  life  of  such  devotion  deserves  to  be  held 
up  as  a  model  to  the  youth  of  America  for  all  time. 
Because  he  worked  in  quiet  and  shunned  notoriety, 
he  has  never  been  brought  under  the  searchlight  of 
public  notice ;  yet  his  life  is  an  inspiration,  and  the 
facts  of  it  deserve  to  be  preserved,  to  which  it  is  hoped 
the  present  work  may  make  some  contribution. 

The  motive  that  dominated  Sower's  life,  and  the 
spirit  with  which  he  worked,  was  expressed  by  the 
motto  that  decorated  the  walls  of  his  little  shop.  It 
was  printed  in  the  largest  ornamental  type  that  Sower 
possessed,  and  read  as  follows : 

"  Zur  ehre  Gottes  und  des  Nachsten  Bestes." 
(To  the  honor  of  God  and  his  neighbor's  good). 

With  this  as  the  motto  of  the  first  German  printing 
establishment  in  America,  we  are  not  surprised  that 
it  has  been  abundantly  blessed  of  Heaven  and  has 

82 


The  Sower  Bibles 


developed  into  a  mighty  factor  of  our  new-world 
civilization. 

Press  work  on  the  Bible  began  in  April,  1742.  The 
work  now  progressed  steadily,  and  by  the  time  the 
first  snow  fell  in  the  following  autumn  half  of  the  text 
was  in  print.  The  whole  process  was  extremely  labo- 
rious. The  type  was  of  course  set  by  hand.  Only  four 
pages  could  be  printed  at  a  time,  and  this  on  a  lever 
press.  All  the  appliances  and  fixtures  were  primitive 
and  crude,  and  most  of  them  home-made.  There  were 
none  of  the  conveniences  that  nowadays  would  be  re- 
garded as  indispensable  to  a  well-equipped  printing- 
office.  The  men  that  did  the  work,  whoever  they  may 
have  been,  were  doubtless  inspired  by  the  motto  of 
the  little  establishment  and  wrought  for  "  the  glory  of 
God  and  the  good  of  mankind." 

With  all  their  care,  however,  many  mishaps  oc- 
curred. Sometimes  typographical  errors  were  discov- 
ered after  the  sheets  were  printed.  These  errors  would 
then  be  corrected  and  other  sheets  run  off  to  take  their 
place.  Sometimes  the  forms  would  get  crooked  and  / 
the  sheets  printed  from  them  would  have  to  be  thrown 
out.  Occasionally  a  sheet  was  faulty  or  got  into  the 
press  in  the  wrong  position.  At  first,  too,  until  the 
pressman  acquired  some  skill  in  managing  the  lever, 
the  impressions  were  frequently  too  heavy  and  some- 
times too  light,  so  that  the  sheets  could  not  be  used. 
Scrupulous  care  was  exercised  by  the  printer  that  no 
sheet,  in  any  way  imperfect,  should  be  used.  So  in  one 
v/ay  or  another  no  less  than  fifty  sheets  of  the  paper, 

83 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


on  the  average,  were  spoiled  to  every  ream — or  about 
one  sheet  out  of  every  ten. 

But  this  was  one  of  the  slightest  of  Sower's  troubles. 
Scarcely  had  the  work  been  begun  in  good  earnest, 
with  a  prospect  that  it  would  succeed,  when  the  pas- 
tors of  the  orthodox  churches  began  to  stigmatize 
Sower  and  oppose  his  work.  They  accused  him  of  cor- 
rupting the  text  of  the  Bible  and  interpolating  dogmas 
of  his  own.  They  openly  denounced  the  forthcoming 
Bible  from  the  pulpit,  and  warned  their  parishioners 
to  have  nothing  to  do  with  it  or  with  the  Arch-Sepa- 
ratist who  was  laying  this  trap  to  ensnare  their  souls. 
It  should  be  observed  that  these  charges  were  made 
by  the  regularly  ordained  ministers  of  the  Lutheran 
and  Reformed  churches,  and  before  they  had  seen  a 
word  of  the  new  Bible  or  knew  what  it  would  be  like. 

This  opposition  was  increased  in  November  of  the 
same  year  (1742),  by  the  arrival  of  Heinrich  Melchoir 
IMiihlenberg,  who  was  sent  out  by  the  Halle  Institu- 
tion to  take  the  oversight  of  the  Lutheran  congrega- 
tions in  the  provinces.  Now  it  must  also  be  remem- 
bered that  Pastor  JMiihlenberg  had  been  constituted 
the  agent  for  the  Halle  Bibles  in  America,  and  came 
prepared  to  furnish  them  at  small  cost.  He  threw 
the  whole  weight  of  his  influence  against  Sower  and 
his  Bible  from  the  very  beginning,  denouncing  him 
from  the  pulpit  and  in  his  private  correspondence. 

Sower,  as  was  natural,  corrected  these  false  reports 
from  time  to  time,  in  his  paper  and  almanac.  The 
spirit  of  his  chastisement  may  be  gathered  from  the  fol- 
lowing: "Divers  Brothers,  named  Neidhard  (Grudg- 

84 


The  Sower  Bibles 


er)  have  put  themselves  to  great  pains  to  belittle 
the  Bible  wliich  we  still  have  in  press.  They  say  that 
it  is  falsified,  and  that  we  have  not  confined  ourselves 
to  Luther's  translation,  that  it  will  not  be  bound,  and 
what  else  was  not  told  ?  All  of  which  is  too  contempt- 
ible to  deserve  an  answer.  If  any  one  is  interested  in 
the  matter,  let  him  have  patience  till  August,  then  he 
will  see  with  his  own  eyes  that  this  is  not  so. 

"  God  reward  them  much  good  for  the  defamation."^ 
When  the  Bible  was  almost  completed,  a  new  an- 
noyance arose,  by  several  parties  coming  forward  and 
offering  to  take  subscriptions  for  a  Wittenberg  edition 
of  the  Bible  for  twelve  shillings,  a  lower  price  than 
Sower's  advertised  rate.  In  his  paper  for  June  16, 
1743,  Sower  shows  by  enumerating  the  various  items 
of  expense  connected  with  putting  a  German  edition 
on  the  American  market  that  the  thing  proposed  is 
absolutely  impossible,  "  unless,"  as  he  naively  adds, 
"  the  printer,  binder,  factor,  custom  officers,  etc.,  do- 
nate their  charges."  "  But,"  he  goes  on  in  the  same 
ironical  tone,  "  whoever  still  thinks  such  a  thing  pos- 
sible can  apply  to  George  Wahnseidel,  (lunatic)  who 
will  order  one  for  twelve  shillings.  The  order  will 
be  taken  free  of  charge.  If  nothing  comes  from  it 
nothing  will  be  lost.  It  is  to  be  wished  that  they  could 
be  furnished  still  cheaper,  so  that  God's  Word  would 
become  abundant  in  the  hands  and  hearts  of  all  men. 
Our  own  Bible,  soon  to  be  issued,  in  an  ordinary  bind- 

'  Geschicht-Schreiber  for  June  16,  1743. 


85 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

ing  with  clasps,  will  cost  eighteen  shillings.  For  the 
poor  and  needy  there  is  no  price." 

The  presswork  of  Sower's  great  task  was  finished 
early  in  July,  1743.  A  month  later  some  of  the  copies 
were  stitched  and  glued  and  in  the  hands  of  sub- 
scribers. We  can  well  believe  that  the  printer  felt  a 
great  load  lifted  from  his  shoulders  when  the  last 
printed  sheets  were  taken  from  the  press.  A  local 
legend,  which  may  well  be  true,  relates  that  when  the 
work  was  at  length  finished  late  on  a  summer  night, 
the  printer  collected  his  workmen  about  him  in  the  lit- 
tle shop,  and  crossing  his  arms  on  his  breast  and  lift- 
ing his  eyes  towards  heaven,  exclaimed,  "  Dank  Gott 
es  ist  vollbracht."    (Thank  God  it  is  finished.) 

The  work  was  not  only  speedily  performed,  but  the 
quality  was  in  every  way  all  that  had  been  claimed 
for  it.  Christopher  Sower  had  conscientiously  lived  up 
to  his  printed  statements  in  regard  to  the  work  in 
every  detail.  He  saw  to  it  that  his  mill  should  turn 
out  paper  every  whit  as  good  as  that  of  his  prospectus 
and  other  sample  sheets  that  he  had  given  to  the  pub- 
lic. He  surrounded  himself  with  skilled  workmen, 
we  do  not  know  with  what  trouble  and  expense,  so  as 
to  give  to  his  patrons  and  the  public  a  Bible,  not 
only  free  from  technical  errors,  but  also  in  keeping 
with  the  best  skill  in  book-making  of  his  day. 

When  we  consider  the  scanty  and  crude  equipment 
with  which  this  monumental  work  was  produced,  we 
are  astonished  that  such  accuracy  and  perfection  could 
have  been  achieved.  There  are  very  few  errors  of  any 
kind.    Indeed,  as  Sower  states  in  his  preface,  more 

86 


The  Sower  Bibles 

than  a  hundred  errors  in  the  thirty-fourth  Halle  edi- 
tion, which  was  used  as  a  basis,  were  corrected.  One 
of  the  most  glaring  misprints  is  on  the  title  page, 
where,  by  the  omission  of  an  a,  Parallelen  appears  as 
"  Parllelen."  The  typographical  error  was  not  noticed 
until  the  whole  edition  was  printed,  and  was  left  un- 
corrected. This  was  so  probably  because  the  title 
page  had  been  produced  with  considerable  expense 
and  effort,  and  the  error  was  such  as  could  not  possibly 
lead  to  misunderstanding. 

The  title  page  was  printed  in  two  colors,  red  and 
black,  and  was  probably  the  first  attempt  at  a  rubri- 
cated title  in  this  country.   It  ran  as  follows : 

BIBLIO, 
Das  ist: 
Die 

HEILIGE  SCHRIFT 
Altes  und  Neues 
Testaments, 
Nach  der  Deutschen  Uebersetzung 
D.  Martin  Luthers, 
Mit  jedes  Capitels  kurtzen  Summarien,  auch 
beygefiigten  vielen  und  richtigen  Parllelen; 

Nebst  einem  Anhang 
Des  dritten  und  vierten  Buchs  Esra  und  des 
dritten  Buchs  der  Maccabaer. 


Germantovvn : 
Gedruckt  bey  Christoph  Saur,  1743. 

The  first,  fourth,  sixth,  eighth,  eleventh  and  four- 
teenth lines  of  the  title  were  printed  in  red,  the  rest 
in  black  ink.  The  first  line  is  in  plain  capitals,  all  the 
rest  in  ornamental  letters  of  different  size  and  design. 

87 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


The  title  was  skillfully  designed  and  corres];»onds 
favorably  with  that  of  the  best  German  editions  of  the 
t"me.  Who  the  artist  was  we  shall  probably  never 
know,  not  impossibly  the  printer  himself.  The  art 
work  throughout  shows  the  same  care  and  taste.  The 
ornamental  head  pieces  at  the  beginning  of  Genesis 
and  Matthew,  and  also  the  preface,  consisting  of 
an  artistic  blending  of  stars  and  flowers,  are  highly 
appropriate.  So  are  also  the  seraphs'  heads  on  the 
unfilled  pages  at  the  end  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ment. A  large  ornamental  capital  stands  at  the  begin- 
ning of  each  book  of  the  Bible,  and  a  smaller  capita) 
at  the  beginning  of  each  chapter.  AU  this  shows  that 
Christopher  Sower  was  not  satisfied  to  have  his  Bible 
merely  correct,  but  that  he  was  determined  to  have  it 
in  every  sense  complete,  in  its  artistic  make-up,  as  well 
as  in  scholarly  accuracy  and  mechanical  perfection. 

The  large  octavo  leaves  were  trimmed  to  the  di- 
mensions of  8  by  10  inches,  the  size  of  the  forms  or 
type  pages  being  8  3-4  by  6  1-4  inches,  with  double 
columns.  The  Bible  contained  1282  printed  pages,  ex- 
clusive of  the  reverse  of  the  title  page  of  the  Old  Tes- 
tament, which  was  left  blank.  They  were  distributed 
as  follows:  Title,  1  page;  Vorrede  (Preface)  1  page; 
Verzeichnisz  aller  Biicher  Des  Alten  und  Neuen  Tes- 
taments (Index  to  all  the  books  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testament)  1  page.  This  index  gives  the  number  of 
chapters  in  each  book  and  the  page  on  which  each  book 
begins.  This  is  followed  by  the  text,  in  the  following 
groups:  Books  of  the  Old  Testament,  pp.  1-589;  The 
Prophets,  pp.  590-805 ;  Books  called  the  Apocrypha,  pp. 

88 


The  Sower  Bibles 


806-949;  Supplement  or  addition,  pp.  949-995;  Title 
page  to  New  Testament,  1  page;  Index  to  the  Books 
of  the  New  Testament,  1  page ;  Books  of  the  New  Tes- 
tament, pp.  2)-Z77.  Following  this  was  the  register  of 
epistles  and  chapters  to  be  read  on  Sundays  and  special 
feast  days,  3  pages ;  and  Kurtzer  Begriff  or  a  Brief 
Compend  of  the  various  editions  of  the  Bible  hitherto 
published,  4  pages. 

There  are  several  things  in  the  above  outline  that 
need  a  few  words  of  explanation.  It  will  be  noticed 
that  there  were  nearly  two  hundred  pages  of  apocry- 
phal matter  that  is  not  found  in  the  ordinary  Protes- 
tant's Bible  of  today.  This  matter  has  always  been 
accepted  by  Catholic  theologians,  however,  as  a  part  of 
the  Inspired  Word.  When  Luther  translated  the  Bible 
he  rendered  the  entire  Catholic  version  into  German. 
In  his  American  edition  Sower  used  Luther's  text 
throughout,  except  in  the  third  and  fourth  books  of 
Ezra  and  the  third  of  Maccabees.  These  were  printed 
according  to  the  Berleburg  text. 

While  there  were  numerous  verbal  differences  in 
the  rendition  of  the  two  texts,  there  was  nothing  of 
real  importance  in  the  third  of  Ezra  or  the  third  of 
Maccabees.  In  the  fourth  of  Ezra,  however,  there  is 
a  radical  departure  from  Luther's  translation.  When 
the  dissenting  bodies  brought  out  their  Bible  at  Berle- 
burg in  Westphalia,  in  1726,  they  printed  the  fourth 
of  Ezra  according  to  the  four  ancient  manuscripts  in 
Syriac,  Armenian,  Arabic,  and  Ethiopic,  all  of  which 
agree,  but  differ  from  the  Latin^  in  containing  a  dis- 
sertation on  heaven  and  hell  after  the  thirty-fifth  verse 

89 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

of  the  seventh  chapter.  This  matter,  comprising  seventy 
verses,  treats  of  the  degrees  of  punishment  and  glori- 
fication. It  was  not  in  Luther's  translation,  because 
the  Catholics,  not  finding  it  in  the  Latin,  persistently 
refused  to  admit  it  into  any  of  their  translations.  The 
fact  that  Luther's  Bible  lacked  this  matter  was  one  of 
the  chief  objections  urged  against  it  by  the  Dissenters 
before  Sower  undertook  to  issue  an  American  edi- 
tion. As  these  seventy  verses  were  found  in  four 
out  of  five  ancient  manuscript  translations  of  the  orig- 
inal Greek,  which  was  lost,  to  exclude  it  looked  to 
them  like  omitting  a  part  of  God's  Word. 

That  the  Dissenters'  position  was  justified  by  the 
facts  is  clear.  Time  has  also  shown  that  they  displayed 
the  evidence  of  wise  judgment  and  sound  scholarship 
in  the  matter,  and  were  not  warped  by  prejudice  and 
sectarian  bias.  Almost  a  century  and  a  half  later,  in 
1875,  a  Latin  manuscript  of  the  ninth  century  was 
found  at  Amiens  containing  the  disputed  matter. 
It  was  at  once  published,  and  has  since  been  included 
in  all  versions  of  the  apocrypha,  both  Protestant  and 
Catholic. 

What  is  now  admitted  by  every  one  without  opposi- 
tion, raised  a  storm  of  indignation,  however,  in  1743. 
The  pastors  of  the  Lutheran  and  Reformed  churches 
seized  upon  this  as  a  means  of  vilifying  Sower  and  de- 
nouncing his  Bible.  To  such  an  extent  were  men  swayed 
by  their  passions  in  the  eighteenth  century  that  these 
clergymen  actually  assailed  the  character  of  the  honest 
printer  for  publishing  this  apocalypse  of  an  apocrypha, 
which  none  of  them  believed  to  be  a  part  of  the  In- 

90 


The  Sower  Bibles 


spired  Word.  Sower  Iiad  indicated  tlic  irrelevance  of 
these  three  books  by  printing  them  in  smaller  type. 

But  this  was  only  one  of  their  points  of  attack.  The 
appendix  known  as  Kurtzer  Begriff  or  Brief  Com- 
pend,  also  raised  their  ire.  Now,  the  purpose  of  this 
summary  was  to  compare  the  variant  renderings  of  a 
number  of  the  most  important  translations  of  the  Bi- 
ble. Certainly  this  looks  like  a  matter  sufficiently  inno- 
cent in  itself,  and  to  the  unprejudiced  must  have  been 
a  feature  of  interest  and  value,  but  it  was  violently  at- 
tacked by  the  orthodox  clergy  as  a  means  used  by  the 
printer  to  disseminate  denominational  views.  To  those 
who  may  look  into  this  Compend  today  the  opposition 
of  these  pastors  will  seem  strangely  violent  and  un- 
reasonable, as  there  is  nothing  of  a  sectarian  nature  in 
it  at  all. 

When  Christopher  Sower  finished  the  presswork  on 
his  Bible  in  July  of  1743,  he  probably  looked  upon  his 
task  as  well-nigh  finished.  It  soon  occurred  to  him, 
however,  that  he  would  have  to  glue  the  Bibles  for  his 
patrons,  who  could  then  have  them  bound  according  to 
their  own  notion.  Accordingly  he  inserted  in  the  Au- 
gust (1743)  number  of  his  paper  this  announcement: 
"  The  Bible  printed  in  Germantown  is  now  ready ;  and 
because  not  every  book-binder  has  the  facility  for 
gluing,  we  will  glue  them  ourselves,  so  that  no  inexpe- 
rienced person  need  undertake  it ;  and  when  this  is 
done  and  they  are  dry,  which  will  probably  be  at  the 
end  of  this  month,  then  every  one  can  have  them." 
He  also  repeated  the  statement  published  before,  that 
if  any  one  desired  his  Bible  without  the  third  and 

91 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


fourth  books  of  Ezra  and  the  third  book  of  Maccabees, 
he  need  only  to  send  the  pubhsher  word  to  this  eifect 
and  his  copy  would  be  prepared  for  binding  without  it. 
The  same  statement  appHed  also  to  the  Brief  Com- 
pend.  Since  opposition  had  been  made  to  these,  the 
printer  had  no  desire  to  inflict  either  of  them  upon 
any  one  against  his  will. 

As  time  went  on  it  became  more  and  more  apparent 
to  Sower  that  he  would  be  called  on  not  only  to  glue 
the  sheets,  but  also  to  bind  most  of  the  copies  of  his 
Bible.  So  he  set  about  to  make  arrangements  by 
which  he  could  accommodate  his  patrons.  By  the  first 
of  November  of  the  same  year  he  was  able  to  an- 
nounce in  the  Gcschicht-Schreiher  the  following  ar- 
rangements :  "  The  printer  makes  known,  because  he 
sees  that  there  are  very  few  who  desire  unbound 
Bibles,  that  he  cannot  have  so  many  bound  as  in  this 
short  time  are  demanded  of  him,  although  he  would 
like  to  see  every  one  accommodated.  Those  who  do 
not  live  far  from  Ephrata  can  procure  their  Bibles 
there  bound  or  unbound,  in  exchange  for  their  re- 
ceipts and  payment  of  the  balance.  Such  as  have  not 
subscribed  can  also  find  them  there,  and  order  them 
bound  as  they  wish  to  have  them,  or  get  them  already 
bound  from  Samuel  Eckerling."  The  announcement 
states  further  that  H.  Rieger,  Doct.  Med.,  has  been 
constituted  an  agent  for  the  Bibles  in  Lancaster,  and 
that  he  will  be  supplied  with  bound  copies  from  Ephra- 
ta. It  also  states  that  arrangements  are  being  made 
to  put  bound  copies  on  sale  in  New  York  at  the  first 
opportunity. 

92 


The  Sower  Bibles 


It  seems  that  Samuel  Eckerling  was  not  able  to  sup- 
ply all  the  demands  made  upon  him  at  Ephrata  and 
Lancaster,  so  that  on  I'"ebruary  16,  1744,  Sower  print- 
ed in  his  paper  this  notice :  "  Because  they  at  Ephrata 
cannot  bind  as  many  Bibles  as  are  desired  of  Mr. 
Rieg;er  at  Lancaster,  so  we  make  known  that  bound 
volumes  will  immediately  be  sent  thither  from  here." 
The  appearance  of  tliis  notice  two  months  later  would 
seem  to  indicate  that  the  demand  was  at  length  sup- 
plied :  "  At  Mr.  Jacob  Frederick  Reiger's,  in  the  new 
city  of  Lancaster,  are  now  to  be  had  Bibles  in  different 
bindings  and  at  different  prices."  This  was  printed  in 
Sower's  paper  for  April  16,  1744,  and  probably  marks 
the  first  time  at  which  the  supply  was  equal  to  the  de- 
mand for  the  Bible  since  its  issue. 

In  the  fall  of  1741,  as  we  have  seen,  Sower  in- 
serted in  his  almanac  for  the  next  year,  a  call  for  ad- 
vance subscriptions  and  donations  to  his  proposed  Bi- 
bles, promising  at  the  same  time  to  give  to  the  public 
a  true  account  of  all  that  should  be  received.  In 
his  almanac  for  1744,  he  refers  to  his  former  statement 
and  says,  "  To  make  this  promise  good,  we  announce 
that  H — ch  H — 1  has  contributed  for  the  poor  seven 
shillings.  From  Germany  a  Christian  soul,  led  by  a 
high  hand,  ordered  a  donation  to  aid  the  printing  of 
the  Bible,  but  as  the  same  made  hardly  any  impression, 
we  added  to  it  according  to  our  means,  and  lowered 
the  price  from  fourteen  shillings  to  twelve  shillings, 
at  which  price  it  remains  unbound.  This  we  have 
done  according  to  our  means.    J.  A.  R.  paid  before- 

93 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


hand  for  seven  copies  to  give  to  seven  poor  German 
servants  in  his  service,  which  is  a  good  example." 

As  the  distribution  of  the  Bibles  went  on  and  the 
people  had  time  and  opportunity  to  examine  the  work 
thoroughly  and  judge  of  its  contents,  they  became 
more  and  more  pleased  with  the  scrupulous  fidelity 
with  which  Sower  had  fulfilled  his  promise.  The  Bible 
was  a  faithful  transcript  of  Luther's  text,  as  had  been 
advertised.  The  fact  that  in  every  respect  it  proved 
to  be  fully  up  to  its  advertised  claims,  and  in  some 
ways  even  surpassed  what  was  claimed  for  it  (the 
typography  was  certainly  superior  to  any  reasonable 
expectation,  and  the  price  was  lower  than  the  adver- 
tised rate),  made  it  at  once  very  popular,  so  that 
the  demand  for  nearly  the  entire  first  year  was  great- 
er than  the  supply. 

This  success  only  increased  the  opposition  of  the 
orthodox  clergy,  however,  who  never  seemed  to  miss 
an  opportunity  to  vent  their  spleen  on  the  harmless 
printer  and  his  harmless  Bible.  Sower  paid  no  atten- 
tion to  these  assaults  on  his  own  character,  but  cor- 
rected from  time  to  time  misstatements  in  regard  to 
his  book.  Miihlenberg,  in  one  of  his  letters  to  the 
homeland,  accuses  Sower  for  having  abused  him  in  one 
of  his  corrections,  "  and,"  he  adds,  "  for  no  other 
reason  than  that  on  my  conscience  I  have  warned 
my  congregation  when  they  thought  to  buy  his 
newly  printed  Bibles  to  beware  and  see  if  he  had  not 
interpolated  opinions  of  his  own."  This  was  written 
in  the  spring  of  1745.  after  Sower's  Bible  had  been  on 
the  market  for  more  than  a  year  and  a  half.  It 

94 


The  Sower  Bibles 


would  seem  tliat  if  Pastor  IMiihlenberg's  conscience 
troubled  him  in  regard  to  Sower's  Bible  he  might  have 
procured  a  copy  and  set  himself  right  before  this. 

But  the  bitterest  and  most  violent  opposition  came 
from  Casper  Ludwig  Schnorr,  the  Reformed  minister 
at  Lancaster.  Located  as  he  was  in  the  very  center  of 
the  German  population  of  Pennsylvania,  his  vehemence 
caused  no  little  annoyance  to  the  printer,  and  doubtless 
interfered  with  his  sales  to  some  extent.  As  late  as 
March  15,  1745,  in  his  report  to  the  Amsterdam 
Classis,  he  speaks  of  Sower  and  his  Bible  and  says, 
"  Upon  all  occasions  I  preach  against  it,  and  caution 
my  hearers  not  to  purchase  it."  He  continued  his 
senseless  opposition  long  after  the  Bibles  became  pret- 
ty generally  distributed,  iterating  charges  the  most  un- 
reasonable and  unjust,  without  seeming  to  think  it 
necessary  for  the  sake  of  his  own  reputation,  either  to 
square  his  statements  with  the  facts,  now  in  the  hands 
of  the  people,  or  to  withdraw  them. 

This  annoyance  finally  led  Christopher  Sower  to 
administer  a  rebuke  a  little  sharper  than  was  his  wont. 
"  It  is  no  secret,"  he  writes  in  his  newspaper,  "  that 
many  Germans,  unknown  to  themselves,  have  been 
compelled  for  a  long  time  in  America  to  listen  to  and 
be  served  by  certain  ministers.  Now  we  are  neither 
an  enemy  nor  a  hater  of  any  one,  for  the  more  wretch- 
ed a  creature  is,  the  more  pity  and  commiseration  we 
owe  it.  About  a  year  ago  we  received  reliable  infor- 
mation from  Germany,  that  others  of  this  kind,  who 
were  driven  from  their  native  place  for  immorality, 
meant  to  seek  service  in  this  country.    We  owe  the 

95 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

duty  unto  God  and  to  all  men  now  to  publish  this 
warning ;  for  by  vicious  teachers  the  ignorant  are  made 
worse  and  are  angered  and  are  led  into  wranglings 
and  disputes,  more  than  they  are  benefitted.  This  is 
especially  so  with  the  young  and  lightminded  hearers, 
who  look  more  at  the  life  and  actions  of  the  minister 
than  to  the  truths  that  he  preaches  unto  them. 

"  Soon  after  this  came  Casper  Schnorr,  who  acted 
as  if  he  were  all  right.  So  is  any  one,  be  he  the  great- 
est sinner  in  Europe  or  here,  if  he  repent  of  his  wicked 
ways.  Then  the  latter  shall  not  be  remembered  by 
God  and  all  his  children  in  eternity,  just  as  when  a 
righteous  man  turns  from  the  unrighteousness  which 
he  has  done,  this  shall  not  be  remembered. 

"  The  dear  man,  however,  instead  of  improving  him- 
self, thought  to  revenge  himself  upon  Sower,  but  com- 
menced at  the  wrong  end.  He  preached  at  Dulpe- 
hocken  and  other  places  that  the  Germantown  Bible 
is  false,  that  one  should  beware  of  it  (as  many  of  his 
hearers  affirm).  Now  if  the  dear  man  had  abused 
Sower  in  every  manner,  and  painted  him  with  the 
great  black  tail  of  Satan,  Sower  would  never  have  an- 
swered a  word  in  his  own  justification.  But  now 
as  he  had  proclaimed  the  Bible  as  false  and  has  pub- 
lished it,  he  will  have  to  answer  unto  God.  May  He 
be  merciful  and  tender  unto  him,  when  he  repents  of 
his  other  sins  and  vices,  and  entreats  God  for  mercy, 
and  receives  it.  Then  it  will  be  an  easy  matter  for 
him  to  recall  publickly  what  he  has  thus  far  pro- 
claimed." 

As  soon  as  the  first  rush  of  filling  advance  orders 
96 


The  Sower  Bibles 


for  the  Bible  was  over,  but  while  the  steady  demand 
was  still  greater  than  the  supply,  Christopher  Sower 
took  occasion  to  remember  his  old  friend,  Dr.  Ehren- 
fried  Luther  at  Frankfort  on  the  Main,  in  a  substantial 
way.  It  will  be  remembered  that  it  was  from  Dr. 
Luther  that  Sower  received  the  type  used  in  printing 
his  Bible.  As  a  sort  of  thank  offering  for  the  suc- 
cessful completion  of  his  great  task.  Sower  sent  a 
dozen  copies  of  his  work  to  Dr.  Luther,  to  be  distrib- 
uted as  the  latter  saw  fit. 

These  Bibles  had  a  remarkable  history.  They  were 
shipped  by  the  brig.  Queen  of  Hungary,  which  sailed 
from  Philadelphia,  December  5,  1743.  Off  the  Cape  of 
St.  Malo  the  vessel  fell  into  the  hands  of  French  and 
Spanish  pirates,  who  appropriated  the  cargo,  including 
the  Sower  Bibles.  In  the  disposal  of  the  booty  later 
on,  it  is  said,  the  case  of  Bibles  was  sold  for  four 
Rix  dollars. 

A  year  or  such  a  matter  elapsed  before  Dr.  Luther 
was  able  to  find  any  trace  of  the  lost  books.  At  length 
he  located  the  man  who  had  bought  them,  and  after 
a  few  exchanges  of  letters,  they  were  finally  sent  to 
their  destination,  as  clean  and  fresh,  it  is  said,  as 
when  they  were  packed. 

Great  was  the  joy  of  the  Frankfort  type-founder, 
if  we  are  to  believe  the  current  tradition,  when  he  saw 
the  excellence  of  the  work  that  had  been  produced 
with  his  type.  He  composed  a  Latin  dedication,  a  copy 
of  which  he  attached  to  each  Bible.  These  are  said  to 
have  varied  slightly  according  to  the  rank  of  the  per- 
sons for  whom  the  different  copies  were  intended. 

97 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

Following  is  a  rather  free  translation  of  the  inscrip- 
tion in  the  copy  donated  by  Dr.  Luther  to  the  city 
library  of  Frankfort. 

"  This  holy  Book,  never  having  appeared  before  in 
the  West  Indies  either  in  English  or  Dutch  or  any 
other  language,  but  recently  published  without  any 
model  in  the  German  language  for  the  first  time,  and 
that  by  the  help  of  God  with  type  from  his  own  foun- 
dry, H.  E.  Luther,  J.  U.  D.  and  C.  W.  A.  and  Coun- 
sellor of  Wurtemburg,  dedicates  it  to  the  magnificent 
city  library  as  a  gift.  Frankfort  on  the  Main,  the  first 
of  June,  1744." 

Dr.  Luther  took  great  pride  in  distributing  these 
Bibles  to  distinguished  persons  of  his  acquaintance. 
He  presented  one  to  the  Counsellor  of  Miinchenhausen 
in  Hanover.  By  him  it  was  bequeathed  to  the  widow 
duchess  of  Brunswick,  Elizabeth  Sophia  Marie,  "  as 
an  ornament  to  her  collection  of  Bibles."  Another 
copy  was  given  to  the  imperial  high-counsellor  Her- 
man Karl  Keyserling,  who  had  lived  at  Luther's  house 
during  the  election  of  emperor  held  in  Frankfort  in 
1745. 

According  to  a  memorandum^  said  to  have  been 
found  in  one  of  these  Bibles,  it  seems  that  Dr.  Luther 
at  one  time  intended  to  give  them  to  the  different 
royal  libraries  of  northern  Europe.  After  keeping  one 
for  his  own  collection,  he  designated  as  recipients  for 
the  rest,  the  libraries  of  St.  Petersburg,  Stockholm, 
Copenhagen,  Berlin,  Hanover,  Dresden,  Gotha,  Wei- 


» Sachse — German  Sectarians  of  Pennsylvania,  vol.  2. 

98 


The  Sower  B'bles 


mar,  Brunswick,  Casscl,  and  Stuttgart.  That  tliis  pur- 
pose was  never  fully  carried  out  is  evident  from  what 
has  been  said  above. 

At  all  events  they  were  distributed  with  care,  and 
were  highly  appreciated,  not  only  by  Dr.  Luther,  but 
also  by  the  crowned  heads  of  Europe. 

It  is  not  known  where  these  Bibles  were  bound.  The 
binding  is  different  from  any  known  to  have  been  done 
in  America  at  that  time.  It  is  highly  artistic  as  well 
as  durable.  There  were  no  facilities  either  at  German- 
town  or  at  Ephrata  to  produce  such  decorative  tooling 
and  embellishing  as  these  Bibles  show.  It  is  probable 
that  the  books  were  sent  to  Dr.  Luther  in  the  stitched 
and  glued  state,  and  that  he,  in  the  fulness  of  his  ad- 
miration, had  them  beautifully  bound  as  presents  to 
his  royal  and  noble  friends. 

The  first  edition  of  the  Sower  Bible  met  with 
steady  sales  and  gradually  silenced  the  opposition  made 
to  it.  The  large  edition  of  1200  copies,  which  was  un- 
usual for  the  time,  supplied  the  demand,  however,  for 
almost  a  score  of  years.  In  January,  1746,  when  the 
Bible  had  been  on  sale  nearly  two  years  and  a  half, 
about  one-fourth  of  the  edition,  or  nearly  300  copies, 
had  been  sold.  Christopher  Sower  the  Second  planned 
for  a  second  edition  in  1762,  four  years  after  the 
death  of  his  father,  and  almost  immediately,  it  w^ould 
seem,  after  the  first  edition  had  been  exhausted. 

In  the  busy  life  of  Christopher  Sower  this  publica- 
tion of  the  Bible  was  but  an  event.  Yet  amidst  the 
long  list  of  his  various  achievements,  this  Bible  stands 
preeminent  as  the  great  monument  of  his  life  and  work. 

99 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


Projected  in  the  second  year  of  his  career  as  publisher, 
it  was  brought  forth  under  many  difficuUies  and  great 
opposition,  was  placed  on  the  market  amidst  the  gross- 
est misrepresentation  and  the  fiercest  prejudicial  antag- 
onism, and  was  still  supplying  the  demand  when  the 
publisher  had  been  in  his  grave  several  years.  Thus  in 
one  way  or  another  it  touched  almost  the  entire  active 
period  of  his  life.  The  Bible  represents  the  spirit  in 
which  he  wrought — the  spirit  of  devotion  to  the  wel- 
fare of  others.  As  the  years  go  by  the  copies  of 
Sower's  Bible  that  still  exist  become  all  the  while  more 
and  more  prized — a  type  of  the  unselfish  life  of  the 
publisher. 

Second  edition. 

The  second  edition  of  the  Sower  Bible  does  not 
call  for  extended  notice.  It  should  be  observed  in  the 
beginning,  however,  that  this  second  edition  was  the 
work  of  a  dififerent  man  from  the  first.  The  first 
Christopher  Sower  died  September  25,  1758.  The 
second  edition  of  the  Bible,  which  appeared  in  1763, 
was  therefore  the  work  of  the  second  Christopher,  the 
heir  and  successor  to  the  founder  of  the  Germantown 
printing  establishment. 

In  Der  Hoch-DeutscJi  Americanische  Calender  for 
1763,  Christopher  Sower  the  Second  first  gave  public 
notice  of  his  intention  to  issue  a  second  edition  of  the 
Bible.   His  statement  ran  thus : 

"  As  the  Bibles  printed  nineteen  years  ago  in  Ger- 
mantown are  now  sold,  and  no  more  are  to  be  had,  we 
have  decided  that  our  part  of  the  world  is  not  to  be 

100 


The  Sower  Bibles 


without  this  excellent  book,  and  we  have  already  pro- 
vided oursclf  with  a  quantity  of  j^ood  paper  and  have 
made  a  beginning  with  a  new  edition  of  such  a  quarto 
Bible  as  the  former  one.  We  are  also  resolved  to 
make  it  according  to  the  best  of  our  ability,  and  the 
verv  liest  in  every  part,  and  to  eradicate  as  much  as 
possible  all  mistakes  that  crept  into  the  former  edi- 
tion ;  also  to  add  an  appendix,  so  that  these  Bibles  shall 
in  no  way  be  inferior  to  any  of  similar  size  coming 
from  Europe.  In  paper  and  binding  they  will  be  far 
better.  As  this  is  a  great  undertaking  and  we  cannot 
secure  workmen  just  as  we  would  like,  so  the  lovers 
of  this  Book  of  Books  will  have  to  exercise  a  little  pa- 
tience until  the  close  of  this  year  1763,  as  none  need  be 
expected  any  sooner." 

This  Bible  came  from  the  press  near  the  end  of 
the  year  1763,  and  was  in  every  respect  almost  an  ex- 
act counterpart  of  the  former  edition.  The  Kurtzer 
Begriff,  which  had  been  a  source  of  opposition  to  the 
former  edition,  was  nevertheless  retained.  In  size, 
quality  of  paper  and  typography,  this  second  edition 
was  scarcely  to  be  told  from  its  predecessor.  The 
books  were  substantially  bound  in  leather,  with  edges 
stained.  In  binding  some  of  them  were  provided  with 
clasps. 

While  in  general  appearance  the  two  editions  are 
strikingly  similar,  there  are,  nevertheless,  numerous 
details  in  which  they  differ. 

A  very  noticeable  one  is  found  on  the  title  page: 
that  of  the  second  edition  is  not  rubricated.  In  all 
other  respects,  in  design,  arrangement  and  typography, 

101 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


they  seem  to  be  identical.  Of  course  the  word  paralle- 
len,  which  had  been  accidentally  printed  without  the 
second  a  in  the  former  edition,  was  corrected. 

This  is  not  designated  on  the  title  page  as  a  second 
edition,  except  in  so  far  as  the  date  indicates  it.  In  the 
preface,  however,  the  editor  designates  it  as  such  and 
indicates  in  what  respects  it  will  be  like  its  predeces- 
sor. 

The  index  on  the  reverse  of  the  preface  page  is  un- 
changed from  the  former  edition. 

The  first  page  of  the  text  has  at  the  top  an  orna- 
mental head  piece,  not  very  different  from  that  of  the 
first  edition. 

From  here  to  the  end  of  the  Old  Testament,  the 
paging  of  the  two  editions  is  exactly  the  same;  both 
end  near  the  middle  of  page  949.  The  Third  and 
Fourth  Books  of  Ezra  and  the  Third  Book  of  Mac- 
cabees are,  in  each  edition,  printed  in  finer  type.  This 
type  too,  seems  to  have  been  identical  in  the  two  edi- 
tions, as  it  ends  near  the  same  place  on  page  995. 
The  face  of  a  cherub  is  inserted  in  the  unfilled  space. 

The  title  page  of  the  New  Testament  is  arranged 
as  follows : 

Das  Neue 
Testament 
Unsers 
Herrn  und  Heylandes 
Jesu  Christi, 
Verteutscht 
von 

Dr.  Martin  Luther 
mit 

Jedes  Capitels  Kurtzen 
102 


The  Sower  Bibles 


Sumarien, 
Auch  beygefiigten  viclen  richtigen 
Parallelen. 


Germantown: 
Gedruckt  und  zii  finden  bey  Christoph  Saur,  1763. 

This  is  a  beautiful  piece  of  work,  both  in  design  and 
execution.  The  capitals  in  the  first,  second,  fourth, 
fifth,  eighth  and  fourteenth  lines  and  those  in  Sower's 
name  are  ornamental.    Other  capitals  are  plain. 

Page  2  contains  a  table  of  contents  of  the  books 
of  the  New  Testament. 

Page  3  has  an  ornamental  head  piece  differing 
slightly  from  the  one  at  the  beginning  of  the  Old 
Testament.  Both  are  about  an  inch  and  a  quarter 
wide  and  extend  across  the  page.  They  are  made  up 
of  four  more  or  less  distinct  rows  of  ornaments. 

The  text  of  the  New  Testament  ends  near  the  mid- 
dle of  page  277.  An  ornamental  piece  (face  of  a 
cherub,  but  differing  slightly  from  the  one  at  the  end 
of  the  Old  Testament)  fills  up  the  page. 

The  next  three  pages  are  occupied  with  a  register 
of  epistles  and  gospels,  etc.,  practically  unchanged 
from  the  former  edition. 

The  Kurtzer  Begriff  fills  the  last  four  pages  of  the 
book. 

The  facilities  for  doing  all  kinds  of  work  in  the 
Germantown  Driickerei  had  been  very  much  increased 
since  the  first  venture  in  Bible  printing  was  made.  The 
mechanical  skill  and  ingenuity  of  the  first  Christopher 
Sower  have  already  been  spoken  of.    A  man  who 

103 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


could  learn  thirty  trades  without  a  teacher  would  not 
be  long  about  a  crude  printing  office  in  a  frontier  town 
without  finding  many  things  upon  which  to  exercise 
his  inventive  skill.  This  was  true  in  the  experience 
of  Christopher  Sower  the  first.  It  is  certain  that  he 
invented  many  appliances  and  conveniences  to  ease  and 
facilitate  the  work  of  his  office,  but  as  he  refused  or 
neglected  to  protect  his  inventions  by  patent,  others  re- 
ceived the  reward  of  his  labor.  In  the  quarter  of  a 
century  since  its  founding,  the  Sower  printing  estab- 
lishment had  grown  to  be  a  well-equipped  institution, 
with  modern  presses,  book-bindery,  ink  factory,  paper 
mill,  and  the  latest  conveniences  of  that  day.  Refer- 
ring to  this  time,  Isaiah  Thomas  in  his  History  of 
Printing  in  America  says,  "  Christopher  Sower,  Jr., 
was  by  far  the  most  extensive  book  manufacturer  then 
(1763),  and  for  many  years  afterwards,  in  the  British 
American  colonies." 

These  were  the  changed  conditions  under  which  the 
second  edition  of  the  Bible  was  brought  out. 

In  the  preface  Sower  called  attention  to  the  fact  that 
at  the  appearance  of  this  second  edition  of  the  Bible 
in  German,  its  publication  in  any  other  European 
tongue  had  not  yet  been  undertaken  in  the  western 
hemisphere. 

The  printing  was  done  in  less  than  a  year.  As  a 
well-equipped  bindery  was  now  a  part  of  the  establish- 
ment, the  whole  edition  was  soon  bound  and  ready  for 
delivery. 

The  copies  of  this  edition  are  more  numerous  than 
those  of  either  the  first  or  the  third. 

104 


The  Sower  Bibles 


Third  Edition. 

When  the  second  Christopher  Sower  undertook  to 
issue  a  third  edition  of  the  Bible  he  could  still  say,  in 
his  preface,  "  There  appears  now  for  the  third  time  on 
the  American  continent  the  Holy  Writ,  called  the  Bi- 
ble, in  open  print  in  the  High  German  language,  to  the 
honor  of  the  German  nation ;  since  no  other  nation 
is  able  to  show  that  the  Bible  has  yet  been  printed 
in  its  language  in  this  part  of  the  world." 

The  fact  here  referred  to  seems  strange  in  the  light 
of  the  circumstances.  It  is  known  that  there  was  a 
great  dearth  of  Bibles  at  this  time  in  the  colonies. 
This  was  true  more  particularly  of  Bibles  printed  in 
English  than  in  German.  Of  the  latter  great  numbers 
of  different  European  editions  had  been  distributed 
through  various  agencies,  as  we  have  seen.  Besides 
these,  two  large  editions  of  the  domestic  product  had 
been  sold.  It  is  interesting  to  note  what  an  active  in- 
terest the  Sowers  took  in  supplying  this  demand  for 
the  Inspired  Word. 

Of  course  it  is  understood  that  these  two  editions 
to  which  we  refer  were  Family  Bibles,  the  large 
quartos  whose  thickness  was  about  a  hand  high,  as 
the  first  Sower  had  described  them.  Now  in  addition 
to  these  the  two  Christopher  Sowers  up  to  and  includ- 
ing 1776  printed  no  less  than  nine  diflFerent  editions 
of  parts  of  the  Sacred  Writings.  IMost  of  these  were 
editions  of  the  New  Testament  in  handy  duodecimo 
volumes  of  between  500  and  600  pages. 

The  first  of  these  appeared  in  1745,  two  years  after 
105 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


the  first  edition  of  the  Hausbieble.  It  consisted  of 
fifteen  hundred  copies,  and  was  exhausted  in  less  than 
ten  years.  Other  editions  of  the  New  Testament  ap- 
peared in  1755,  1761,  1763,  1766,  1769,  1775.  It  does 
not  seem  to  be  known  how  many  copies  of  these  dif¥er- 
ent  editions  were  printed ;  but  it  would  appear  that  the 
demand  for  these  handy  volumes  increased  with  time 
and  that  the  succeeding  editions  sold  off  more  rapidly 
than  those  which  preceded  them.  Estimating  the  six 
editions  after  1745  at  an  average  of  one  thousand  copies 
each,  (it  is  not  probable  they  were  fewer  than  this) 
we  have  a  round  number  of  some  seventy-five  thou- 
sand copies  of  the  New  Testament  from  the  Sower 
press  alone  that  were  distributed  by  the  time  the  third 
edition  of  the  Bible  was  ready  for  distribution. 

Besides  these  the  second  Christopher  Sower  issued 
in  1773  an  edition  of  the  Psalms  of  David,  and  three 
years  later  a  child's  Bible  (Die  Kinder  Bieble).  This 
latter  was  a  12mo  volume  of  487  pages.  Add  these 
two  editions  and  the  first  two  issues  of  the  Bible  to  the 
different  editions  of  the  New  Testament,  and  it  would 
seem  that  the  number  of  copies  of  the  Bible  or  parts 
of  it  issued  and  distributed  by  the  Sower  press  up  to 
1776  must  be  considerably  over  one  hundred  thousand. 
So  in  supplying  the  demand  for  the  Sacred  Writings 
in  the  German  tongue,  the  Sower  press  played  a  very 
important  part. 

All  the  while  this  domestic  product  was  being  put 
forth,  there  were  constant  importations  from  Ger- 
many, which  were  dispensed  through  various  agencies. 
Probably  the  greater  part  of  this  foreign  production, 

106 


The  Sower  Bibles 


however,  was  distributed  through  the  clergy  of  the 
orthodox  churches. 

I'^or  the  supply  of  English  Bibles  the  conditions  were 
not  so  favorable.  No  publisher  in  America  had  yet 
undertaken  its  publication,  and  six  years  more  passed 
before  such  an  attempt  was  made.  The  first  English 
edition  of  the  Bible,  therefore,  to  be  produced  in 
America  appeared  in  1782.  While  no  English  Bibles 
were  produced  in  this  country  up  to  this  time,  it  does 
not  seem  that  they  were  even  imported  in  very  great 
numbers.  In  1777  there  was  such  a  dearth  of  English 
Bibles  that  Congress  ordered  20,000  copies  to  be  im- 
ported. I  have  been  unable  to  ascertain  whether  this 
order  was  ever  carried  out  or  not. 

Such  was  the  situation  at  the  beginning  of  1776, 
when  Christopher  Sower  the  Second  made  known  his 
purpose  to  print  a  third  edition  of  the  Hausbieble. 
Work  was  begun  early  in  the  year  and  by  autumn  the 
large  edition  had  been  printed  and  the  sheets  spread 
out  in  the  loft  to  dry. 

But  these  were  troublous  times,  and  business  did  not 
move  in  the  Sower  printing  office  with  its  usual  alacri- 
ty. Before  the  prcsswork  on  the  Bible  was  finished, 
it  would  seem  that  Christopher  Sower  retired  from 
active  management  of  his  business.  The  tumult  of 
war  was  now  to  be  heard  on  every  hand,  and  business 
was  in  large  measure  paralyzed. 

During  the  winter  of  1776-7  and  the  ensuing  spring, 
some  of  the  sheets  were  arranged  and  bound,  and  the 
volumes  delivered  to  subscribers.  But  when  the  Brit- 
ish troops  came  into  Germantown  in  the  next  summer 

107 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


most  of  the  unbound  sheets  were  still  in  the  loft.  They 
were  ruthlessly  seized  by  the  soldiery  and  wasted. 
Some  were  strewn  under  their  horses  for  bedding, 
others  were  thrown  upon  bonfires,  while  still  others 
were  converted  into  cartridges,  says  Isaiah  Thomas, 
"  and  thus  used  not  for  the  salvation  of  men's  souls, 
but  for  the  destruction  of  their  bodies."  The  Sower  es- 
tablishment was  practically  broken  up,  the  estate  was 
confiscated  and  the  stock  afterward  sold. 

After  the  worst  was  over  Christopher  Sower  col- 
lected a  few  sets  of  sheets  that  had  survived  the  wreck 
and  bound  them.  It  is  said  that  he  gave  one  of  these 
to  each  of  his  children,  and  there  may  have  been  a  few 
others. 

It  is  impossible  to  tell  how  many  of  this  edition  were 
bound  and  got  into  circulation.  It  is  not  probable  that 
the  number  exceeded  a  few  hundred.  If  there  were 
more  than  this  they  must  have  been  consigned  to 
other  parties  for  distribution,  but  there  is  no  evidence 
that  this  was  done,  neither  is  it  likely. 

In  size,  appearance  and  workmanship,  the  third  edi- 
tion differs  little  from  the  former  two.  As  in  those, 
a  good  quality  of  rag  paper  was  used,  the  product  of 
Sower's  own  mill.  The  ink  was  of  the  same  excellent 
quality  as  that  for  the  other  two  editions,  of  which 
an  account  has  already  been  given.  The  binding  of 
all  the  copies  we  have  seen  or  heard  of  was  in  strong 
leather  with  brass  clasps,  plain  and  durable. 

The  type  used  in  this  edition  was  also  manufactured 
bv  the  printer.  This  distinction  has,  I  believe,  been 
claimed  for  that  employed  in  each  of  the  former  edi- 

108 


The  Sower  Bibles 


tions.  but  there  is  no  good  reason  to  think  that  the 
Sowers  cast  any  type  before  1770.  It  is  known,  on  the 
other  hand,  that  in  1773  they  were  using  type  of  their 
own  make. 

That  employed  in  the  third  edition  is  certainly  as 
good  as  that  in  either  of  the  others,  if  not  superior. 
The  impression  is  sliarp  and  distinct  and  the  lines 
clear-cut  and  even.  The  type  was  new — not  so  new, 
however,  as  to  bear  the  marks  of  newness,  yet  on  the 
other  hand  without  any  indications  of  wear.  Undoubt- 
edly within  the  three  or  four  years  since  the  Sowers  be- 
gan the  manufacture  of  type,  they  had  equipped  their 
establishment  anew,  to  a  very  large  extent,  from  their 
own  foundry. 

The  title  page  differs  slightly  from  that  of  the  for- 
mer editions,  and  like  the  second  edition  was  not  rubri- 
cated. The  same  styles  of  letters  were  used,  but  all 
were  printed  in  black.  Of  course  the  ortliographical 
error  in  the  tenth  line  of  the  first  edition  was  corrected, 
and  there  were  a  few  changes  in  the  punctuation.  At 
the  end  of  the  eighth  line  the  comma  of  the  first  edition 
was  supplanted  by  a  semicolon,  and  the  semicolon  after 
the  tenth  line  was  displaced  by  a  colon.  Two  lines 
were  changed.  By  the  addition  of  two  words  the  third 
line  was  made  to  read. 

Die  ganze  Gottliche. 

Likewise,  three  words  inserted  into  the  last  line  made 
it  read  as  follows : 

Gednickt  und  cu  finden  bey  Christoph  Saur  I7j6. 
Dritte  AiiHage  (third  edition)  is  inserted  between  two 

109 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

lines  extending  across  the  page,  which  take  the  place 
of  the  ornamental  division  mark  between  the  thirteenth 
and  fourteenth  lines  of  the  title.  Besides  these  changes 
in  the  title  page  and  a  new  preface,  the  matter  pre- 
ceding the  text  was  not  different  from  that  of  the  first 
edition. 

It  is  worthy  of  note  that  the  type  used  in  printing 
the  Third  and  Fourth  Books  of  Ezra  and  the  Third  of 
Maccabees  is  a  little  finer  than  that  used  in  the  first 
and  second  editions.  This  matter  fills  nearly  forty- 
seven  pages  in  the  first  two  editions  but  in  the  third 
only  a  little  more  than  forty-three.  This  type,  fresh 
from  the  new  Sower  foundry,  produced  excellent 
work,  but  varied  to  this  extent  from  that  that  it  dis- 
placed. 

The  New  Testament  title  page  differs  considerably, 
too,  from  the  former  editions.    It  reads  like  this: 

Das  Neue 
Testament 
unsers 
Herrn  und  Heylandes 
Jesu  Christi, 
nach  der  Deutschen  Uebersetzung 
Dr.  Martin  Luthers, 
mit  kurzem 
Inhalt  eines  jeden  Capitels, 
und  volstandiger 
Anweisung  gleicher  Schrift-Stellen. 
Wie  auch 
aller  Sonn-und  Fest-tagigen 
Evangelien  und  Epistelen. 
Dritte  Auflage. 
Germantown, 
Gedruckt  und  zu  finden  bey  Christoph  Saur,  1776. 
110 


The  Sower  Bibles 


Only  tlie  capitals  in  the  second,  fifth,  and  seventh 
lines  arc  ornamented ;  all  the  rest  are  plain. 

At  the  end  of  the  volume,  the  appendix  known  as  the 
Kurtzer  Begriff  was  omitted.  New  ornamental  designs 
were  also  placed  at  the  end  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments.  The  edges  were  stained  with  a  dappled  red. 

The  price  seems  to  have  been  raised  somewhat,  if 
the  autograph  in  a  copy  in  the  Bridgewatcr  College 
library  is  to  be  trusted.  This  states  that  the  volume 
was  purchased  January  22,  1781,  for  one  pound  and 
fifteen  shillings. 

This  edition,  it  has  been  claimed,  is  the  most  rare 
and  valuable  of  the  three.  Says  Miss  Nancy  V.  Mc- 
Celland,  writing  in  the  Philadelphia  Press  for  May  29, 
1898: 

"  Contrary  to  all  bibliological  precedents,  this 
(third)  edition  is  more  valuable  than  the  first.  The  ex- 
planation lies  in  the  warfare  that  aroused  the  patriotic 
people  in  the  United  Colonies  at  that  time.  When 
Germantown  became  the  centre  of  disturbance  the 
third  edition  of  the  Saur  Bible  played  an  important 
military  part.  It  was  torn  up  with  a  ruthless  hand 
and  used  as  gun-wadding  to  help  along  a  righteous 
cause.  !Many  an  unfortunate  Hessian  hireling  went  to 
kingdom  come  with  the  aid  of  a  piece  of  the  third 
edition. 

"  So  few  of  the  books  were  left  intact  that  they  are 
rarities  to  be  prized  when  possessed." 

This  statement  is  controverted,  however,  by  Dr. 
John  \\'right  in  Earl\  Bibles  of  America,  where  he 
says,  "  The  first  edition  of  the  Sower  Bible — that  of 

111 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


1743 — is  a  scarce  book,  and  commands  a  high  price. 
A  copy  offered  at  the  Brinly  sale  a  few  years  ago 
brought  $350.  This  is  the  highest  price  ever  paid  for 
a  Sower  Bible. This  was  written  in  1894. 

The  truth  of  the  matter  seems  to  be  this :  There  are 
almost  certainly  fewer  of  the  third  edition  in  existence 
than  of  the  first.  In  this  respect  the  third  edition  is  ex- 
ceedingly rare.  But  the  difficulties  under  which  the 
first  edition  was  brought  out  give  it  an  historical  im- 
portance that  the  later  issues  can  never  attain. 

1  For  this  quotation  from  Wright's  work  I  am  indebted  to 
Elder  D.  L.  Miller. 


112 


CHAPTER  IV. 


THE  SOWER  PERIODICALS. 

I.  Dcr  IIoch-DcHtsch  Pcnsyh'anischc  Geschicht- 
Schrcibcr. 

The  periodicals  issued  by  the  Sower  press  were  two  in 
number,  a  newspaper  and  a  magazine.  I  will  include 
in  this  chapter  also  a  study  of  the  Sower  almanac 
which  was  published  annually  for  about  forty  years. 
These  were  all  printed  in  German  and  were  the  pi- 
oneers in  their  respective  fields  in  this  country.  In 
time  they  were  contemporaneous  with  the  famous  peri- 
odicals published  by  Franklin.  Sower's  almanac  was 
not  very  difYerent  in  scope  and  principle  from  its 
famous  cousin,  Poor  Richard.  And  the  magazine, 
which  was  religious  in  its  character,  was  the  first  of 
its  kind  to  be  produced  in  this  country  in  any  tongue. 
Franklin  had  started  in  Philadelphia  a  German  news- 
paper several  years  before  Sower  set  up  his  press  at 
Germantown.  But  Franklin  had  no  German  type,  as 
we  have  seen,  and  the  few  issues  of  his  paper  that 
were  printed  appeared  in  English  or  Roman  type.  So 
Sower's  paper,  which  was  printed  in  German  type, 
was  the  first  wholly  German  newspaper  produced  in 
America. 

The  first  issue  of  this  publication  appeared  on  the  20th 
of  August,  1739.  and,  as  the  small  beginning  of  a  great 
enterprise,  it  will  always  hold  an  important  place  in 

113 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


the  history  of  our  country.  It  was  a  small  sheet  13 
inches  long  and  9  inches  wide,  and  contained  four 
pages  with  double  columns.  Its  title  may  be  trans- 
lated, as  The  High-German  Pennsylvania  Recorder  of 
Events.  Only  one  copy^  of  this  first  issue  is  known  to 
exist.  Since  it  has  never  been  translated  to  my  knowl- 
edge, and  because  of  its  rarity  and  importance,  I  have 
reproduced  the  greater  part  of  it,  which  cannot  help 
being  exceedingly  interesting  to  the  reader. 

Der 
Hoch-Deutsch 
Pensylvanische 
Geschicht-Schreiber, 
Oder: 
Sammlung 

Wichtiger  Nachrichten,  aus  dem  Natur-und  Kirchen-Reich. 


Erstes  Stuck  August  20,  1739. 


Geneighter  Leser. 
(Kind  Reader) 

Among  other  idols  which  the  coarse  and  subtle 
world  of  so-called  Christians  serve,  not  the  least  is 
the  impertinence,  the  curiosity  and  inordinate  desire 
to  see,  to  hear,  and  to  know  very  often  something  new ; 
also  to  talk  about  it.  To  make  a  sacrifice  now  to  this 
spirit  of  Athena  with  the  issue  of  this  collection  of 
news  we  are  not  at  all  willing,  still  less  to  display  our- 
self,  or  to  seek  fame  and  profit ;  but  because  we  have 
formerly  promised  to  make  known  the  useful  and  im- 
portant facts  and  occurrences,  and  also  because  impor- 


'  In  the  Cassel  collection  now  in  possession  of  Dr.  M.  Q. 
Brumbaugh,  by  whose  kind  permission  I  am  enabled  to  pre- 
sent the  following  selections  to  the  readers  of  this  book. 


114 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


tant  facts,  wlien  they  come  to  the  ears  and  eyes  of  men, 
often  make  deeper  impressions  and  cause  deeper  re- 
flection than  things  which  daily  occur ;  so  we  will 
make  a  beginning  here  with  such  signs  of  the  time  as 
have  recently  and  certainly  taken  place  in  this  and 
other  parts  of  the  world,  in  the  hoj^e  that  they  will 
produce,  not  without  their  own  proper  advantage, 
something  of  interest  and  alarm  (auffschauens ) 
among  those  who  read  them.  We  may  also  perhaps 
later  make  some  observations  and  propound  some  use- 
ful questions  of  the  time  for  those  earnestly  disposed 
to  reflection,  or  also  perhaps  give  some  correct  an- 
swers to  these,  to  be  given  out  in  the  same  budget. 
Farewell,  reader,  and  use  this  as  you  should. 

For  several  years  we  have  heard  that  the  Persians 
and  the  Turks  were  engaged  in  a  great  w-ar ;  scarcely 
had  the  Persians  made  peace  with  the  Turks  when 
they  were  in  actual  war  with  the  great  Mogul ;  and  the 
Roman  Emperor  had  scarcely  secured  a  cessation  of 
arms  with  the  king  of  France  w-hen  he  went,  together 
with  jMoscow  (Russia),  against  the  Turks.  At  first 
the  Muscovites  were  victorious  against  the  Turks ; 
but  soon  the  leaf  turned,  and  the  Turks  were  vic- 
torious ;  however,  they  still  stood  opposed  to  each 
other  on  the  field.  But  what  the  Emperor  and  the 
Turks  have  been  doing  this  year,  of  this  we  have  had 
up  to  this  time  but  little  news ;  nevertheless  the  king- 
dom has  mustered  eighty  thousand  men,  who  are  to 
march  against  Hungary.  The  queen  of  the  Musco- 
vites had  promised  to  aid  the  Roman  Emperor  with  her 
people,  because  he  began  war  with  the  Turks  on  her 
behalf :  the  troops  were  brought  together  at  IMoscow 
and  equipped.  But  when  the  Swedes  saw  this,  that  the 
Muscovites  were  moving  their  forces  out  of  the  coun- 
try against  the  Turks,  they  wished  to  recover  their 
land  which  the  Muscovites  had  taken  away  from  them 
because  Sweden  was  weak.    Then  Moscow  did  not 

115 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


wish  to  spare  the  promised  troops,  but  wished  to  help 
the  Emperor  with  money ;  but  because  the  Emperor 
thought  himself  too  weak  against  the  Turks  without 
help,  he  sent  word  to  the  Czarina  that  if  she  did  not 
send  him  troops,  he  would  have  to  make  peace  with 
the  Turks ;  for  he  was  tired  of  this  grievous  war. 
What  was  Moscow  to  do  now?  If  the  Emperor 
should  make  peace,  then  on  the  one  hand  the  Turks 
would  have  their  entire  power,  and  on  the  other  hand 
the  Swedes  would  recover  their  land.  So  in  the  begin- 
ning of  January  she  sent  the  Emperor  fifty  thousand 
men. 

This  is  a  little  more  than  half  of  the  old-world  news 
in  this  issue.  The  rest  is  in  a  similar  vein  and  has 
no  particular  interest.   This  is  followed  by 

Copia  der  Procleniation  unsers  Governeurs. 

This  proclamation  is  made  to  the  people  of  Pennsyl- 
vania by  his  Majesty,  the  King  of  England,  in  regard 
to  British  commerce  in  the  new  world,  and  sets  forth 
his  reasons  for  declaring  war  against  Spain.  It  re- 
cites the  indignities  and  insults  to  which  English  mer- 
chants have  repeatedly  been  subjected  in  the  West 
Indies  and  on  the  Spanish  Main.  It  also  reproaches 
the  King  of  Spain  for  negligence  in  protecting  the 
rights  of  Englishmen  in  these  waters  according  to  the 
stipulations  of  existing  treaties  between  the  two  coun- 
tries. It  is  further  charged  that  the  Spanish  King  has 
neglected  to  pay  an  indemnity  in  gold,  which  had  been 
agreed  upon  as  a  compensation  for  British  losses  in 
Spanish  waters. 

In  consideration  of  these  various  grievances  his  Brit- 
ish Majesty  concludes  his  proclamation  as  follows: 

116 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


So  we  have  finally  decided  to  vindicate  the  honor 
of  our  crown,  and,  as  a  compensation  to  our  unjustly 
treated  subjects,  to  order  that  reprisals  shall  be  made 
(else  the  people  will  avenge  themselves)  on  the  crown 
and  subjects  of  Spain.  We  hereby  give  you  full  power 
to  take  prizes,  and  we  give  to  each  one  whom  you 
consider  qualified  the  commission  and  permission  to 
treat  them  in  return  as  they  have  treated  us ;  that  war 
vessels,  also  private  or  pirate  vessels,  be  fitted  out  to 
rob,  overpower,  capture,  plunder  and  confiscate  the 
ships  and  the  goods  upon  them,  which  belong  to  the 
King  of  Spain  or  his  vassals  and  subjects,  or  to  any 
inhabitant  of  his  country,  boundary  or  estate :  how- 
ever, with  this  stipulation,  that  before  such  an  one  may 
go  forth  he  shall  give  assurance  that  he  will  conduct 
himself  as  is  necessary  on  such  occasions.  And  in 
the  commission  you  shall  mention,  and  write  down  all 
points,  and  instruct  each  one  in  regard  to  it,  and  show 
him  what  is  necessary  in  such  cases ;  and  in  order  to 
do  so  let  this  be  your  authority.  Fare  well. 

By  his  ]\Iajesty's  command. 

Hollis  Newcastle. 

The  governor  then  adds  on  his  own  behalf :  For  this 
reason  let  each  and  every  subject  of  his  Majesty  under 
my  government  be  upon  his  guard,  so  that  all  the  evil 
and  injury  that  the  Spanish  have  in  mind  may  be  pre- 
vented ;  because  they  will  w^ish  to  avenge  themselves 
against  such  treatment  as  that  with  which  your  majes- 
ty has  been  under  the  necessity  of  using  to  secure  the 
rights  of  himself  and  his  subjects.  Accordingly,  every 
one,  in  w-hatever  condition  he  may  be,  has  permission 
to  injure  and  annoy  the  Spaniards  in  any  way  he  can. 
I  am  happy  to  publish  and  make  known  his  Majesty's 
order.  Furthermore  it  is  his  royal  ]\Iajesty's  wish  and 
pleasure  to  make  known  to  me  by  the  Duke  of  New- 
castle, one  of  his  ^Majesty's  most  distinguished  secre- 


117 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


taries  of  state,  that  no  ammunition  or  equipment  for 
war  or  provisions  of  any  kind  whatever,  shall  be  fur- 
nished to  the  Spaniards,  under  severe  punishment  and 
his  royal  Majesty's  highest  displeasure.  Wherefore, 
let  every  magistrate,  officer  and  all  others  hold  them- 
selves in  readiness  and  use  all  possible  industry  to 
prevent  anything  of  the  kind. 

Given  under  my  hand  and 
the  great  seal  of  the  province  of 
Pennsylvania,  at  Philadelphia,  the  20th 
of  August,  1739,  and  in  the  13th 
year  of  his  Majesty's  reign. 

George  Thomas. 

God  Save  the  King. 

If  one  should  in  these  days 

Say  to  the  children  of  men 

That  they  by  their  actions, 

Since  they  thus  conduct  themselves, 

Were  not  true  Christians 

And  did  not  know  the  truth; 

They  would  plague  him 

And  clutch  him  by  the  throat, 

Perhaps  even  beat  him  to  death, 

Make  themselves  glow  like  sickles, 

Go  forth  in  their  wantonness 

And  still  be  good  Christians. 

Germaiiton. 

The  following  news  has  been  received  from  Fred- 
erick township  in  Falckner's  Swamp.  On  the  12th  of 
August,  after  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening,  an  Irishman 
came  to  the  door  of  a  man  by  the  name  of  Buebner 
and  asked  to  stay  all  night.  The  man  of  the  house 
called  a  neighbor  who  could  speak  English,  and  be- 
cause they  suspected  no  good  of  the  man,  they  directed 
him  to  an  inn  nearby.  He  soon  came  back,  however, 
and  said  he  could  not  find  the  house,  and  urged  that 

118 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


they  keep  him  over  night,  which  they  consented  to  do. 
The  housewife  took  his  horse,  and  as  slic  was  leading 
it  to  the  ticlci,  some  one  struck  licr,  so  that  she  fell 
down  as  if  dead.  Then  he  threw  her  over  the  fence 
and  cast  a  large  block  of  wood  on  her,  thinking  she 
was  dead  because  she  lay  so  still.  The  other  murderer, 
who  was  in  the  house,  first  struck  down  tlie  feeble  old 
neighbor  with  an  instrument  of  death,  which  was  made 
of  iron  in  the  form  of  a  large  knife,  especially  for  the 
purpose  of  breaking  into  houses  and  beating  people 
to  death.  The  hilt  was  as  large  as  a  small  fist,  and  it 
likewise  struck  the  master  of  the  house  also,  who  was 
so  terribly  treated  that  his  head  and  entire  body  were 
full  of  holes,  bruises  and  blood.  His  mother,  who  was 
in  the  upper  part  of  the  house,  is  said  to  have  cried 
out,  as  did  also  the  man,  murder!  murder!  so  that  a 
neighbor's  child  a  half  mile  away  heard  them  and 
called  its  father.  He  came  running  with  another  man 
who  was  in  his  house,  and  they  on  their  way  answered 
those  who  were  crying  for  help. 

The  murderers  were  frightened  by  these  loud  cries 
and  made  their  escape  on  their  horses.  In  their  haste 
they  left  behind  their  knives  of  murder  and  robbery 
already  mentioned,  which  the  neighbors  found  after 
they  had  come  upon  the  people  in  their  blood  and 
wounds.  The  knives  were  taken  to  the  justice,  who 
has  ordered  the  murderers  to  be  pursued.  Up  to  this 
time,  however,  nothing  has  been  heard  of  them. 

On  the  21st  of  last  July,  an  Englishman  by  the  name 
of  John  Ward  living  near  Anchocas,  went  out  to  shoot 
game.  He  noticed  something  stir  in  a  thicket  and 
saw  the  white  breast  of  a  man  but  thought  it  was  the 
hind  part  of  a  deer.  He  fired  and  shot  his  neighbor, 
James  Scherrein,  dead  upon  the  spot. 

A  piece  of  gold  has  been  found  in  the  street,  which, 
without  doubt,  some  one  has  lost.    Whoever  can  de- 


119 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

scribe  the  correct  distinguishing  symbol  in  which  it 
was  wrapped,  and  what  was  with  it,  can  liave  it  again 
without  cost  from  the  pubHsher. 

A  man's  coat  has  been  found  in  the  street  between 
Philadelphia  and  Germantown.  Whoever  can  give  a 
correct  description  of  it  can  have  it  again  without  cost 
from  Christopher  Sower. 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  news  was  crisp  and  tersely 
expressed.  The  editor  sought  to  give  as  much  infor- 
mation as  possible  in  a  few  words.  The  paper  con- 
tained nine  separate  articles  or  items,  and  for  the  most 
part  they  were  crowded  together  in  such  a  way  as  to 
take  as  little  space  as  possible.  For  instance,  the  edi- 
tor's address  to  the  reader  was  followed  by  an  account 
of  the  European  wars.  This  was  probably  intended 
as  the  leading  article  in  the  paper,  yet  it  was  crowded 
against  the  preceding  without  a  title  or  any  other  in- 
dication of  its  nature  or  importance,  (as  above). 

While  this  was  an  expedient  to  save  space,  as  I  take 
it,  the  little  sheet  was  not  made  up  without  reference 
to  the  artistic.  This  is  shown  in  the  display  and  ar- 
rangement of  the  heading.  In  the  governor's  procla- 
mation also,  there  is  a  palpable  effort  at  artistic  ef- 
fect. Two  large  ornamental  capitals  are  introduced 
here,  one  at  the  introduction  and  the  other  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  proclamation  proper.  Other  small 
capitals  here  contribute  to  the  same  result. 

The  admission  of  a  bit  of  verse  likewise  may  not 
have  been  without  due  consideration  for  its  artistic 
effect.  The  general  appearance  of  the  paper  through- 
out is  characterized  by  neatness  and  good  taste. 

120 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


In  regard  to  tlic  verses  I  should  stale  that  the  trans- 
lation is  literal  and  is  intended  to  convey  the  sense  of 
the  original  and  preserve  the  line,  without  aiming  to 
be  in  any  sense  poetical.  In  the  original  the  lines 
rhyme  in  tersets:  the  first  three  rhyine  together,  like- 
wise the  second  three;  the  seventh,  eiglith,  and  ninth 
repeat  the  rhyme  of  the  first  three,  and  the  last  three 
repeat  that  of  the  fourth,  fifth  and  sixth.  The  mass- 
ing of  thought  throughout  the  stanza  also  produces  a 
splendid  climactic  effect. 

The  last  part  of  the  paper,  beginning  with  the  ac- 
count of  the  murder  at  Falckner's  Swamp,  is  set  in 
smaller  type  than  the  rest.  The  items  are  crowded 
together  too  without  any  break  of  any  kind  between 
them  except  the  line  which  separates  the  last  two 
items,  the  advertisements,  from  the  rest  of  the  paper. 
It  would  seem  that  the  publisher  had  rather  more  news 
for  the  first  issue  of  his  paper  than  the  little  sheet 
could  contain. 

In  this  enterprise  of  launching  a  German  newspaper 
in  the  American  wilderness.  Sower  was  prompted  sole- 
ly by  a  desire  to  be  helpful  to  his  countrymen.  He  was 
far  from  being  willing  to  issue  a  newspaper  in  the  or- 
dinary sense  of  the  word.  He  had  little  sympathy  with 
the  journalistic  dogma  later  enunciated  by  Horace 
Greeley,  that  "  the  people  want  the  news,  not  facts." 
Whatever  they  might  want,  he  felt  that  as  the  collector 
and  editor  of  news,  it  was  his  duty  to  give  to  the  public 
only  that  which  was  true.  His  moral  character  strove 
against  lending  a  hand  to  the  spreading  of  unreliable 

121 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

news,  or  furnishing  reading  matter  for  mere  pas- 
time. 

A  fuller  statement  of  his  policy  than  he  had  yet 
given  out  appeared  in  the  first  issue  of  the  almanac, 
which  was  published  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year. 
"  To  those."  he  says,  "  who  have  frequently  inquired, 
and  in  the  future  may  still  inquire,  whether  German 
newspapers  are  not  soon  to  be  had,  to  these  we  hereby 
make  known  that  we  are  not  at  all  disposed  to  waste  our 
precious  time  in  collecting  every  week  something  that 
is  of  no  use,  much  less  to  write  lies,  as  the  common 
custom  of  the  world  is." 

This  statement  is  followed  by  his  prospectus  in 
which  he  outlines  definitely  his  policy  and  plans  as 
follows :  "  It  is  hereby  made  known  that  in  future 
we  intend  to  publish  a  collection  of  useful  and  im- 
portant news  and  happenings,  partly  of  a  secular  na- 
ture, whatever  is  to  be  learned  at  this  time  of  wars  and 
rumors  of  wars,  from  Europe  as  well  as  from  other 
parts  of  the  world,  so  far  as  true  and  reliable  accounts 
can  be  obtained;  also  true  and  trustworthy  religious 
news,  as  much  as  we  think  useful.  .  .  .  But  we 
are  not  willing  to  bind  ourselves  absolutely  to  a  fixed 
time  when  the  paper  shall  be  published.  However 
it  will  probably  appear  four  times  a  year ;  as,  on  the 
16th  of  November,  the  16th  of  February,  the  16th  of 
i\Iay,  and  the  16th  of  August,  and  the  first  issue  now 
appears  as  an  evidence." 

Truly,  great  things  from  small  beginnings  grow. 
The  timid  editor  would  not  be  bound  for  any  fixed 
number  of  issues  of  his  paper,  nor  would  he  be  re- 

122 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


stricted  to  a  definite  time  of  publication.  In  starting 
his  infant  enterprise  he  doubtless  felt  a  responsibility 
and  an  uncertainty  which  it  is  impossible  for  us  today 
fully  to  appreciate.  The  little  (lerinantown  newspaper 
which  would  "  probably  "  appear  every  three  months 
and  "  probably  "  about  the  middle  of  the  month  was 
the  small  beginning  of  that  mighty  factor  in  pres- 
ent-day American  life — the  German-American  press. 

But  Sower  had  less  reason  to  fear  for  the  success 
of  his  enterprise  than  he  suspected.  He  had  planned 
better  than  he  knew.  His  proposition  to  publish  news 
of  important  events  of  the  day  in  the  German  lan- 
guage and  in  German  type  met  with  so  much  en- 
couragement that  the  Hoch-Dcutsch  Gcschicht-Schrci- 
her  could  afterwards  appear  monthly.  Although  pro- 
jected as  a  quarterly,  the  paper  appeared  monthly  from 
the  beginning. 

The  price  of  subscription  was  three  shillings  (40 
cents)  the  year.  At  first  the  subscribers  had  the  privi- 
lege of  having  advertisements  inserted  free.  In  the 
second  year  of  its  history  the  paper  was  enlarged. 
Four  years  later  (1745)  the  name  was  changed  to 
Hoch-Deutsche  Pensylvanische  Berichte  oder  Samm- 
luitg  wichtiger  Nachrichten  aus  dem  Natur-und  Kir- 
chenreich.  The  reason  for  the  change  from  "  Geschi- 
cht-Schreiber "  (recorder  of  facts)  to  "Berichte" 
(reports)  was  explained  in  the  January  number  of  the 
next  year.  "  We  had  hoped,"  wrote  the  editor,  "  to 
publish  only  real  happenings,  things  that  took  place  in 
the  world  of  nature  and  in  the  church :  but  we  could 
not  do  it.   For  this  reason  we  dropped  the  title  "  Ges- 

123 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

chicht-Schreiber  "  some  time  ago  and  added  instead 
"  Berichte,"  for  it  has  been  found  later  at  times  that 
one  or  another  o"f  the  items  of  news  did  not  take  place 
but  was  only  reported  or  imagined." 

During  this  same  year  (1746)  "  Hoch-Deutsch " 
was  dropped  from  the  title,  and  henceforth  the  paper 
purported  only  to  be  a  disseminator  of  news,  since 
facts  could  not  always  be  obtained. 

In  1749  the  Pensyh'anische  Berichte,  as  the  paper 
was  now  called,  began  to  appear  twice  a  month,  the 
regular  issue  on  the  16th  and  an  extra  on  the  1st.  The 
extra  was  not  numbered  and  does  not  seem  to  have 
been  issued  every  month.  The  paper  had  now  run 
for  ten  years  as  a  monthly  and  had  become  exceeding- 
ly popular.  Its  circulation  had  increased  until  1751, 
when  it  reached  four  thousand.  The  next  year  (1752) 
the  paper  was  increased  in  size  from  a  quarto  to  a 
folio,  and  now  appeared  regularly  twice  a  month. 

In  1762  the  name  of  the  paper  was  changed  the 
third  time.  The  Second  Christopher  Sower,  into 
whose  hands  the  business  had  passed  on  the  death  of 
his  father  in  1758,  was  frequently  troubled  by  the  un- 
reliable character  of  his  news,  much  as  his  father  had 
been  before  him.  He  made  his  position  of  editor  and 
his  consequent  relation  to  his  constituents  a  matter  of 
conscientious  regard.  In  spite  of  all  his  care  news 
would  sometimes  appear  in  the  paper  which  later 
turned  out  to  be  without  foundation.  He  believed  it 
to  be  due  his  readers,  therefore,  to  prepare  them  be- 
forehand for  the  appearance  of  the  unavoidable  errors, 
and  not  avow  any  absolute  credulity  in  his  news.  In 

124 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


this  respect  he  was  even  more  scrupulous,  as  we  see, 
than  Ills  father  hatl  hcen  ;  and  to  free  his  conscience 
of  any  senihlance  of  deception,  he  changed  the  title 
of  his  paper  so  as  to  read  as  follows:  Gcrtnantoivner 
Zcitung  odcr  Saiinnhing  icahrscliciiilichcr  Nachrichten 
aus  dem  Xatur-uiid  Kirchcnrcich,  wic  audi  auf  das 
gemeine  Beste  angcschenc  nutzlichc  Untcrrichte  und 
Anmcrkungen.  (Gerniantown  Newspaper  or  a  Col- 
lection of  prohable  secular  and  religious  news,  also  In- 
structions and  Remarks  considered  useful  for  the  com- 
mon good). 

This  title  the  paper  kept  during  the  rest  of  its  ex- 
istence. The  form  and  size,  too,  remained  unchanged. 
In  1775,  however,  it  began  to  appear  weekly,  and 
during  the  rest  of  its  career  it  played  the  role  of  a 
weekly  journal. 

Throughout  the  entire  history  of  the  paper  the  origi- 
nal price  of  three  shillings  a  year  remained  unchanged, 
notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  reader  now  received 
fifty-two  papers  instead  of  the  original  twelve,  and  that 
each  of  these  was  about  three  times  as  large  as  the 
original  monthly  sheet.  How  this  could  be  done  was 
explained  by  the  publisher  in  a  very  original  way  and 
on  grounds  that  would  scarcely  be  justified  by  the 
managers  of  newspaper  enterprises  of  our  day.  He 
explained  that  the  increased  cost  was  covered  by  the 
enlarged  number  of  advertisements  received,  and  that 
an  honest  man  must  not  allow  himself  to  be  paid 
double. 

How  he  managed  the  advertisement  is  shown  by  a 
communication  to  the  public  of  May  1,  1755,  in  which 

125 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

he  says :  "  Whoever  sends  in  an  advertisement  for 
his  own  profit,  or  a  personal  advertisement,  (not  very 
large)  shall  pay  five  shillings.  If  the  thing  for  which 
he  advertises  is  obtained  after  the  first  insertion,  two 
shillings  will  be  returned,  if  after  the  second  insertion 
one  shilling  will  be  returned." 

With  all  Sower's  enterprise  and  excellent  business 
methods,  there  was  one  class  of  persons  with  whom  the 
dealings  of  both  father  and  son  were  not  of  a  strictly 
business  nature.  These  were  the  delinquents  on  their 
mailing  list.  Towards  them  they  were  too  kind  to  be 
just  even  to  themselves,  and  their  leniency  was  not  al- 
ways rewarded  in  the  best  manner.  From  time  to 
time  they  took  occasion  to  admonish  these  black  sheep 
seriously,  but  always  with  such  overflowing  kindness 
that  it  took  away  the  sting  of  reproach  and  made  the 
reproof  ineffective.  The  Berichte  for  April,  1759, 
contains  a  good  example  of  their  manner  in  such  cases. 
"  He  who  owes  for  three  years  and  more  and  besides 
has  no  reputation,  must  not  take  it  amiss  if  he  receives 
a  little  notice."  This,  as  will  be  seen  from  the  date, 
was  said  by  the  second  Christopher. 

That  he  was  pursuing  the  policy  of  his  illustrious 
father,  however,  will  be  made  clear  by  the  following: 
When  Gotthard  Armbruster,  formerly  an  apprentice 
to  Sower,  together  with  his  brother  Anton  established 
a  paper  in  Philadelphia,  Sower  called  attention  to  the 
fact  in  his  paper  of  May  16,  1748,  in  a  friendly  man- 
ner and  added :  "  Sower  only  requests  the  dishonest, 
who  have  never  yet  paid  him,  that  they  do  not  treat 
this  man  so." 

126 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


In  1776  Christopher  Sower  tlic  Second,  who  had 
been  solo  owner  of  the  puhlishinej  plant  since  1758 
and  had  developed  it  immensely,  associated  witli  liim- 
self  in  the  business  his  oldest  son,  Christopher  the 
Third.  Tlie  issue  of  the  paper  for  July  3rd  of  tliis  year 
came  out  in  the  firm  name  of  "  Christoph  Saur  und 
Sohn."  It  contained  the  following  interesting  an- 
nouncement relative  to  the  adoption  by  Congress  on 
July  2nd,  of  the  resolution  which  led  two  days  later 
to  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  "  Yesterday  the 
Continental  Congress  declared  the  United  Colonies 
to  be  free,  independent  states." 

Soon  after  this  the  father  (Christopher  the  Second) 
seems  to  have  withdrawn  from  the  active  manage- 
ment of  the  business  and  to  have  entrusted  it  to  the 
hands  of  his  son.  For  nearly  a  year  after  this  the  pub- 
Hcations  of  the  house  bear  the  imprint  of  "  Christoph 
Saur  der  Jiingere."  The  father's  patriotism  and  his 
unflinching  principles  of  non-resistance  made  the  un- 
settled conditions  of  the  time  peculiarly  trying  to  him, 
and  he  was  doubtless  glad  to  entrust  his  business  to 
younger  hands. 

The  following  year  the  business  was  carried  on 
under  the  name  of  "  Christoph  Saur  der  Jiingere  und 
Peter  Saur."  The  brothers,  however,  had  fallen  on  an 
unpropitious  time.  The  march  of  hostile  armies  and 
the  ravages  of  war  were  present  on  every  hand.  A 
feeling  of  uncertainty  had  taken  possession  of  the  peo- 
ple. No  one  knew  what  the  morrow  would  bring 
forth.  To  quiet  the  public  in  regard  to  their  business 
the  brothers  found  it  expedient  to  publish  early  in 

127 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

1777  this  assurance:  "The  newspaper  will  be  issued 
every  week  by  Christopher  Sower,  Junior,  and  Peter 
Sower." 

A  little  later  they  found  it  necessary  to  move  their 
establishment  from  Germantown  to  Philadelphia.  In 
the  edition  of  the  paper  for  March  19,  1777,  they  gave 
notice  that  they  had  moved  to  a  house  adjoining  the 
Quaker  meetinghouse,  and  would  continue  the  busi- 
ness there.  (The  Quaker  meetinghouse  was  at  the 
corner  of  Second  and  Market  Streets). 

This  is  the  last  issue  of  the  Gcrmantaitner  Zeitting  of 
which  I  have  been  able  to  find  any  trace,  and  there  is 
no  particular  reason  for  supposing  that  any  were 
issued  after  this.  A  large  part  of  the  original  printing 
plant  at  Germantown  had  already  been  destroyed  or 
confiscated  by  the  British  troops,  and  the  young  men 
now  in  actual  charge  of  the  remnant  of  the  business 
had  turned  loyalist  and  soon  after  started  a  paper  in 
support  of  the  British.  This  we  shall  notice  separate- 
ly in  its  proper  place. 

Thus  the  first  German  newspaper  in  America  had  a 
continuous  existence  of  nearly  forty  years,  and  was 
edited  successively  by  three  generations  of  Christopher 
Sowers.  Its  influence  in  its  day  we  can  not  now  es- 
timate or  fully  appreciate.  The  number  of  subscribers 
for  the  time  was,  as  we  have  seen,  considerable,  reach- 
ing at  the  end  of  a  dozen  years  a  total  of  four  thou- 
sand. Several  years  later  the  publisher  complained 
that  the  number  of  copies  to  be  printed  made  it  diffi- 
cult to  issue  the  paper  on  time.  Teamsters  who  had 
undertaken  to  distribute  them  along  the  country  roads 

128 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


complained  about  the  great  number  of  papers  to  be 
delivered.  Tlireo  hundred  and  thirty  were  distributed 
along  the  Conestoga  road  alone.  And  the  circulation 
was  by  no  means  restricted  to  Pennsylvania.  It  had 
followed  the  tide  of  German  emigrants  down  into  the 
valleys  of  Maryland  and  Virginia,  and  had  even  pene- 
trated as  far  south  as  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia. 
There  was  perhaps  not  a  German  settlement  of  any 
consequence  in  this  country  to  which  one  or  more 
copies  did  not  find  their  way. 

To  show  the  influence  that  Sower  exercised  over  the 
Gemian  immigrants,  chiefly  through  the  agency  of 
his  paper,  I  may  refer  to  an  incident  of  the  French 
and  Indian  War. 

At  the  time  this  strife  broke  out,  the  German  popu- 
lation of  Pennsylvania  had  become  quite  numerous, 
and  some  of  the  leading  English  settlers  of  the  prov- 
ince began  to  fear  them  and  pretended  to  suspect  their 
loyalty.  It  was  even  whispered  that  they  meditated  an 
alliance  with  the  French,  and  were  willing  to  abet  the 
Indians  in  their  savage  attacks  upon  frontier  settle- 
ments. How  completely  these  suspicions  falsified  them 
has  been  abundantly  proven  by  history.  Through  the 
entire  struggle  leading  up  to  the  Revolution  and 
culminating  in  the  independence  of  the  colonies  there 
was  perhaps  no  class  of  people  in  America  who  stood 
more  staunchly  for  their  rights  as  citizens  or  were 
more  loyal  to  the  principles  of  liberty  than  the  Ger- 
mans. 

Because  of  this  suspicion  and  the  rapidity  with 
which  the  Germans  were  coming  to  this  country,  an 

129 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


effort  was  made  to  restrict  their  rights  and  privileges. 
Sower  came  to  their  rescue  in  1755  with  a  stirring 
pamphlet  in  which  he  exhorted  them  to  stand  by  their 
rights  as  freemen.  As  the  Germans  trusted  him 
completely  as  their  leader  and  looked  to  him  for  guid- 
ance, the  scheme  failed. 

The  extent  of  his  influence  at  this  time  is  shown  by 
the  fact  that  a  society  was  organized  in  Philadelphia 
for  the  express  purpose  of  counteracting  his  influence. 
It  was  called  "  The  Society  for  Propagating  Christian 
Knowledge  among  the  Germans  in  Pennsylvania." 
Benjamin  Franklin,  Conrad  Weiser,  and  Dr.  Wm. 
Smith  were  among  the  prime  movers  in  it.  Having 
failed  to  betray  the  Germans  into  a  forfeiture  of  their 
rights,  this  society  now  sought  to  win  their  confidence 
and  rule  them  by  moral  suasion  as  Sower  was  doing. 
Accordingly  it  established  a  number  of  free  schools 
among  the  German  settlers  in  different  parts  of  the 
province. 

In  1755  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Society  decided 
to  bring  the  war  still  closer,  and  meet  Sower  on  his 
own  ground.  They  resolved  to  set  up  a  German  press, 
and  print  a  newspaper,  an  almanac  and  other  popular 
works.  To  encourage  this  undertaking  Franklin  of- 
fered to  sell  to  the  Society  his  German  printing  out- 
fit at  considerably  less  than  its  real  value.  The  pur- 
chase was  effected,  and  the  Rev.  H.  M.  Miihlenberg, 
Sower's  old  antagonist,  was  offered  the  editorship.  He 
saw  reasons  to  decline,  however,  and  another  Lutheran 
pastor.  Rev.  J.  F.  Handshuh  was  put  in  charge. 

But  the  project  did  not  succeed.  The  paper  and 
130 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


almanac  could  not  supplant  those  issued  by  Sower. 
The  paper  was  known  as  the  PUihuiclphia  Zcitung, 
etc.  It  ran  to  the  latter  part  of  1757  when  it  failed, 
leaving  Sower  once  inure  in  undisputed  possession  of 
the  field. 

No  complete  file  of  the  Sower  papers  is  in  existence. 
But  thanks  to  the  industry  and  the  thoughtful  appre- 
ciation of  Abraham  H.  Cassel  of  Harleysville,  Penn- 
sylvania, the  distinguished  antiquary  of  the  Dunker 
church,  portions  of  the  file  have  been  preserved.  These 
are  from  April  16,  1743,  to  November  1,  1751,  and 
from  January  16,  1754,  to  December  18,  1761.  These 
are  now  the  property  of  the  Historical  Society  of 
Pennsylvania  and  are  preserved  in  the  Society's  library 
in  Philadelphia,  where  I  had  the  pleasure  of  examining 
them. 

The  paper  referred  to  above,  which  the  Sower  broth- 
ers started  in  support  of  the  British  cause,  was  known 
as  Der  Pennsyh'anische  Stoats  Courier,  oder  einlau- 
fende  IVochcntliche  Nachrichtcn. 

It  was  promised  that  "  This  paper  will  be  issued 
every  week  by  Christopher  Sower,  Jr.,  and  Peter 
Sower  in  Second  Street."  It  began  to  appear  at  once 
after  the  occupation  of  Philadelphia  by  Howe's  army 
in  the  latter  part  of  September,  1777.  It  circulated 
chiefly  among  the  Hessian  troops,  who  formed  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  the  invading  army.  The  Germans, 
as  a  rule,  remained  loyal  to  the  American  cause.  The 
paper  ran  until  the  next  summer,  when  it  came  to  an 
abrupt  close  by  the  evacuation  of  Philadelphia  by  the 
British  troops,  June  18,  1778.  The  editors  left  Phila- 

131 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


delphia  with  the  British  army,  remaining  true  to  their 
allegiance  to  the  King. 

After  the  Revolution,  Christopher  (the  3rd)  settled 
at  St.  Johns,  New  Brunswick,  where  he  founded  and 
published  The  Royal  Gazette  and  later  became  Deputy 
Postmaster  General  of  Nova  Scotia.  Peter  accom- 
panied his  brother  to  New  Brunswick,  but  later  studied 
medicine,  and  practiced  his  profession  in  the  British 
West  Indies,  where  he  also  held  a  position  under  ths 
Government. 

//.    Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender. 

One  of  the  early  works  to  appear  from  the  Sower 
press  was  an  almanac  with  the  above  title.  As  this 
was  a  calendar  for  1739,  it  must  have  appeared  late  in 
the  preceding  year.  In  a  letter  written  from  German- 
town,  November  17,  1738,  Sower  first  gave  notice  of 
his  intention  to  issue  an  almanac.  Sometime  between 
this  date,  therefore,  and  the  end  of  the  calendar  year, 
which  in  1738  was  on  March  24,  marks  the  appearance 
of  the  first  issue. 

There  were  probably  several  considerations  that 
led  the  printer  to  his  determination  to  issue  an  alma- 
nac. He  intimates  in  the  letter  referred  to  above  that  he 
intended  it  as  an  advertising  medium.  He  states  that 
he  knew  of  no  more  suitable  vehicle  for  making 
known,  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  land, 
the  fact  that  he  had  established  a  German  printing- 
press  at  Germantown,  than  an  almanac,  and  he  men- 
tions at  the  same  time  the  title  under  which  it  shall  ap- 
pear. 

132 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


It  has  been  thought  also  that  he  was  influenced  in 
this  matter  largely  by  the  solicitations  of  his  friends 
and  neighbors ;  and  this  may  have  had  its  bearing.  It 
is  apparent,  however,  that  he  was  influenced  more  by 
his  desire  to  reach  the  people  than  by  any  claims  that 
they  made  upon  him. 

One  thing  that  doubtless  operated  with  weight  in 
his  decision  was  the  unsettled  condition  of  the  calendar 
at  that  time.  So  chaotic  had  this  become  that  it  was 
almost  impossible  to  tell  with  certainty,  not  only  the 
days  of  the  month,  but  even  the  days  of  the  week. 
Numerous  instances  are  on  record  of  the  non-ob- 
servance of  the  Sabbath  among  the  most  devout  Chris- 
tians, because  they  did  not  know  when  Sunday  came. 

A  case  is  mentioned  of  a  very  pious  lady  who  was  a 
member  of  the  German  Reformed  church.  She  was 
always  at  her  place  in  the  religious  services  and  took 
a  leading  part  in  the  various  lines  of  church  work. 
But  one  Sunday  she  was  missed  from  the  service,  and 
one  of  her  friends  went  to  investigate  the  cause. 
To  her  great  surprise  she  found  her  pious  friend 
busily  engaged  at  the  wash  tub.  And  what  must  have 
been  the  good  woman's  astonishment  and  mortifica- 
tion when  told  it  was  Sunday? 

An  experience  of  Rev.  Mr.  Rittenhouse  of  that  day 
is  also  to  the  point.  As  he  emerged  from  a  piece  of 
woodland  one  Sunday  morning  on  his  way  to  church, 
he  was  surprised  to  see  some  of  his  parishioners  busily 
engaged  in  hauling  hay.  He  rode  up  to  remonstrate 
with  them  and  reprove  them  for  their  want  of  piety, 

133 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

and  was  further  surprised  to  learn  that  they  did  not 
know  it  was  the  Sabbath.^ 

This  confusion  of  dates,  moreover,  was  not  confined 
to  the  more  ignorant  classes  in  the  rural  districts.  In 
the  towns  and  cities  also,  and  among  all  classes  of 
people,  errors  were  constantly  committed.  When  a 
provincial  council,  to  consist  of  many  of  the  leading 
citizens  of  Pennsylvania,  was  called  at  Philadelphia  in 
1734,  the  time  of  meeting,  as  understood  by  the  dif- 
ferent members,  varied  as  much  as  ten. days.  Some  of 
the  members  arrived  a  week  before  the  appointed  date 
and  a  few  of  them  not  until  several  days  after  it  was 
past. 

Since  Christopher  Sower's  chief  purpose  in  life  was 
to  be  helpful  to  his  fellow-men,  we  are  not  surprised 
that  he  determined  early  in  his  career  as  publisher  to 
lend  his  aid  in  clearing  up  this  confusion  and  in  bring- 
ing some  sort  of  system  into  the  calendar.  And  of 
all  his  many  publications,  it  may  be  questioned  wheth- 
er any  had  greater  direct  practical  bearing  upon  the 
everyday  affairs  of  the  people  than  this  simple  almanac. 

The  first  issue  contained  24  quarto  pages,  8x7^ 
inches  and  was  without  covers.  Besides  a  calendar 
for  each  month,  it  contained  the  phases  of  the  sun 
and  moon,  the  aspects  of  the  planets,  the  principal  con- 
stellations, together  with  the  brightest  stars,  and  other 
information  of  the  nature  usually  found  in  almanacs 
nowadays.  Those  for  the  next  several  years  differed 
little  from  this  one. 


*  Pennsylvania  Magazine,  Vol.  8. 

134 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


Rut  in  1743  the  almanac  was  (.'iilari^cd  to  32  pages, 
and  was  provided  with  an  cnibloniatical  engraved  plate 
for  a  cover.  The  design  of  this  cnt  contained  a  flying 
angel  witli  a  wand  in  one  hand  and  a  scroll  in  the 
other.  The  angel  conies  in  a  storni  that  rages  over 
a  city,  while  at  the  same  time  away  oflf  in  the  distance 
the  rainbow  of  promise  descends  in  its  graceful  curve 
to  the  earth.  A  fisherboy  is  just  landing  from  a 
billowy  ocean  with  his  catch,  while  tw-o  men  stand  on 
the  landing  engaged  in  an  intimate  discussion.  A  dog 
standing  by  is  the  only  creature  that  seems  to  be  en- 
tirely composed.  A  large  sailing  vessel  floating  the 
English  flag  rides  gracefully  at  anchor  near  the  shore. 

The  scroll  contained  a  legend  engraved  in  it,  which 
was  changed  from  time  to  time.  "  Krieg  und  Kriegs- 
Geschrey."  "  Kummerliche  Zeiten,"  and  "  HofFnung 
bessere  Zeiten."  were  some  of  the  forms  it  took.  The 
whole  design  is  highly  emblematical,  and  is  an  inter- 
esting study.  The  interpretation,  however,  will  de- 
pend to  a  certain  extent  upon  the  individuality  of  each 
student. 

This  plate  was  used  throughout  the  series.  It  was 
touched  up  and  slightly  changed  several  times,  but  its 
leading  features  were  left  unaltered.  In  the  later  form 
a  sinking  sun  was  added,  which  in  the  earlier  forms, 
had  been  hidden  by  the  storm-clouds. 

An  interesting  fact  may  be  mentioned  here  in  con- 
nection with  the  later  history  of  this  plate.  When 
the  Sower  printing  establishment  was  broken  up  dur- 
ing the  Revolutionary  war  and  the  effects  sold,  Colonel 
Bull  of  the  English  army  appropriated  this  plate  as  a 

135 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


part  of  his  share  of  the  booty.  He  later  bartered  it 
away  to  John  Dunlap,  a  printer  of  Philadelphia,  who 
in  turn  disposed  of  it  to  Peter  Lcibert,  a  minister  of 
the  Dunker  church.  Leibert  bought  most  of  the  con- 
fiscated Sower  establishment  at  the  sale,  with  which 
he  began  a  publishing  business  after  the  close  of  the 
war.  He  printed  an  almanac  from  this  plate  in  1784 
and  the  following  years.  Later  the  plate  passed  into 
the  hands  of  his  son-in-law,  Michael  Billmeyer,  by 
whom  it  was  used  as  late  as  1835. 

From  1743  to  1748  the  almanac  contained  32  pages. 
From  1748  to  1750,  36  pages.  These  extra  four 
pages  were  filled  chiefly  with  medical  advice.  The 
1750  issue  contained  40  pages,  and  the  medical  infor- 
mation was  accordingly  increased.  This  was  so  high- 
ly prized  by  the  poor  country  people  that  the  next  year 
the  publisher  added  eight  pages  more.  This  size  (48 
pages  including  the  covers)  was  unchanged  during  the 
rest  of  its  career. 

In  1748  the  almanac  was  printed  in  colors.  Edi- 
tions printed  in  Germany  in  this  style  had  been  im- 
ported in  great  numbers  for  several  years,  and  to 
hold  his  trade  Sower  had  to  meet  this  competition. 
He  explains  in  his  advertisement  of  this  colored  edi- 
tion that  he  brought  it  out  in  compliance  with  many 
urgent  requests  for  such  an  almanac.  Necessarily  it 
had  to  be  sold  higher  than  the  regular  edition,  and  this 
caused  dissatisfaction. 

The  next  year  he  printed  two  editions  also.  The 
plain  one  he  sold  for  nine  pence,  the  former  price,  and 
the  colored  one  for  a  shilling.    But  this  made  extra 

136 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


work  and  trouble  and  was  not  satisfactory  in  the  end. 
So  the  next  year  he  printed  only  tlie  plain  edition,  and 
sold  it  at  the  original  price.  This  he  continued  to 
do  until  1753,  when  he  printed  another  colored  edi- 
tion, the  last  one  he  issued. 

In  1751,  while  working  on  the  almanac  for  the  next 
year,  he  received  information  that  the  British  parlia- 
ment was  about  to  pass  an  act  to  correct  the  calendar 
and  change  the  beginning  of  the  year.  He  therefore 
delayed  publication  until  a  copy  of  the  act  could  reach 
y\merica.  Before  this  the  year  had  begun  on  March 
25,  instead  of  January  1,  as  at  present.  In  the  mean- 
time the  calendar  had  fallen  eleven  days  behind  true 
solar  time. 

Altiiough  the  act  had  been  signed  by  the  King  on 
Wednesday,  May  22,  it  had  not  yet  reached  this  country 
by  the  1st  of  October,  and  Sower  lamented  that  nothing 
could  be  done  at  the  almanac,  while  he  was  kept  in 
suspense  for  the  arrival  of  the  Act  to  know  what 
changes  were  to  be  made.  As  the  end  of  the  year 
came  nearer,  he  did  not  trust  to  put  of?  the  printing 
any  longer,  so  he  proceeded  to  press  with  his  matter 
and  had  scarcely  finished  running  ofif  the  edition  when 
the  act  arrived.  It  was  too  late  for  insertion  in  the 
almanac,  so  he  printed  it  in  a  double  number  of  his 
paper  for  October  16  of  the  same  year. 

The  Act  provided  for  the  dropping  of  eleven  days 
after  September  the  2nd,  numbering  the  3rd,  the  14th, 
and  so  on,  giving  September  19  days  instead  of  30, 
and  making  the  year  consist  of  only  354  days  instead 
of  365. 

137 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

These  changes  had  been  ordered  by  Pope  Gregory 
in  the  latter  part  of  the  16th  century,  but  the  Protes- 
tant nations  had  been  slow  to  accept  them,  as  savoring 
of  popery.  Even  at  that  late  date  many  persons  in 
England  and  America  preferred  not  to  use  the  cor- 
rections, and  so  maintain  their  independence  of  the 
Pope.  We  see,  however,  that  Sower  was  eager  to 
take  advantage  of  them  and  give  them  to  the  people, 
as  he  saw  how  they  would  simplify  the  calendar  and 
bring  the  seasons  and  the  solar  year  into  uniformity. 

Of  course  these  corrections  were  not  understood  by 
the  people  generally.  If  they  had  understood  the  na- 
ture of  them  they  would  probably  have  resented  their 
use,  as  an  attempt  to  meddle  with  an  institution  in 
which  they  had  complete  confidence.  But  as  they  did 
not  understand  them  they  accepted  the  changes  without 
question,  assuming  that  the  man  who  could  make  the 
weather  could  also  drop  eleven  days  from  the  year 
with  impunity. 

The  people  generally  had  complete  confidence  in  the 
almanac,  or  weather  book  as  they  called  it.  They 
looked  upon  it  as  infalHble,  and  planned  their  work 
according  to  its  predictions.  There  are  many  stories 
illustrative  of  this.  I  may  choose  one  related  by 
Abram  H.  Cassel  several  years  ago  in  an  article 
printed  in  the  Pennsylvania  Magazine  of  History  and 
Biography,  Vol.  VI. 

A  man  by  the  name  of  Walker  from  above  Sumney- 
town  had  business  in  Philadelphia.  He  consulted 
Sower's  almanac  and  found  that  it  promised  fair 
weather.   He  therefore  loaded  his  wagon  and  started. 

138 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


When  he  liad  gotten  well  on  the  way  it  began  to  rain. 
It  raineil  harder  and  harder  until  finally  he  and  his 
load  of  produce  were  thoroughly  drenched.  He  be- 
came very  angry,  and  lost  faith  in  the  weather  book 
and  the  man  that  made  it.  In  this  mood  he  approached 
Germantown.  He  stopped  in  front  of  the  printing 
office,  called  Sower  out  and  gave  him  a  severe  repri- 
mand. After  hearing  him  through  patiently  Sower 
replied  kindly.  "  O  friend,  friend,  be  not  so  angry, 
for  although  it  was  I  that  made  the  almanac,  the  Lord 
God  made  the  weather."  The  man  caught  something 
of  the  kindly  spirit  of  the  editor  and  went  away  better 
satisfied. 

On  another  occasion,  it  is  said,  a  man  had  occa- 
sion to  make  a  journey  of  some  distance  in  the  fall  of 
the  year.  Consulting  his  almanac,  he  found  that  it 
promised  fair  weather.  So  he  started  without  his 
overcoat.  After  a  while  it  turned  cold  and  rainy. 
He  too  lost  his  temper,  accused  Sower  of  printing  lies 
and  stopped  to  give  him  a  tongue  lashing.  Having 
heard  his  tirade,  Sower  said  to  him :  "  Well,  friend, 
as  you  were  so  disappointed,  I  will  give  you  a  piece  of 
good  advice  gratuitously,  and  if  you  follow  it  you  will 
not  have  occasion  to  blame  me  so  soon  again.  It  is 
this.  Always  take  your  overcoat  along  when  you 
leave  home  by  fair  weather — when  it  is  foul  you  may 
do  as  you  like.  By  following  this  advice  you  will  never 
be  disappointed,  and  will  have  no  occasion  to  blame 
me  hereafter." 

Because  of  these  and  other  misunderstandings. 
Sower  explained  in  a  later  number  the  purpose  and 

139 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

use  of  an  almanac.  He  explained  the  precaution  he 
had  taken  to  be  accurate,  but  showed  at  the  same  time 
that  it  was  impossible  to  make  an  almanac  that  would 
be  free  from  inaccuracies. 

In  order  that  I  may  make  as  clear  as  possible  the 
nature  of  these  almanacs,  I  will  describe  the  con- 
tents of  one  chosen  at  random.  Let  it  be  the  one  for 
1760.  This  was  issued  about  two  years  after  the  death 
of  the  first  Sower.  The  first  18  pages  are  occupied 
with  the  calendar  for  each  month,  the  sun  and  moon 
phases,  and  so  forth.  Then  follow  26  pages  of  read- 
ing matter,  covering  a  broad  range  of  subjects  and 
containing  a  great  variety  of  interest. 

This  part  opens  with  a  brief  statement  in  regard  to 
the  eclipses  for  the  year.  Then  follows  an  account 
of  the  courts  and  court  days  for  Pennsylvania,  New 
York,  Connecticut,  New  Jersey,  and  Marj-land.  The 
information  in  regard  to  each  is  detailed  and  specific. 
It  fills  about  six  pages.  The  next  eleven  pages  are 
taken  up  with  an  Abstract  of  an  instructive  Dialogue 
between  Lord  Rich  and  Mr.  Poor.  It  purports  to  be 
a  translation  from  the  English,  and  has  for  its  ob- 
ject to  show  that  "  neither  riches  nor  poverty,  but 
godliness  makes  people  happy."  The  discussion  is 
carried  forward  under  twelve  chief  points.  This  is 
followed  by  a  "  Receipt  for  making  various  sorts  of 
wine " :  cherry  wine,  blackberry  wine.  Next  is  "  A 
short  account  of  the  uses  of  cotton."  Then  comes 
"  Various  good  receipts  for  horses,"  which  is  fol- 
lowed by  still  other  "  Receipts  for  people  who  are  well, 
so  as  to  stay  well."    All  this  fills  some  five  pages. 

14a 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


The  last  article,  about  four  pages  in  length,  is  an  es- 
say on  "  War  and  Peace." 

Tlic  almanac  for  1761  contains  an  article  on  General 
Wolfe,  the  hero  of  the  French  and  Indian  War,  to- 
getlicr  with  a  portrait.  The  article  is  translated  from 
a  London  magazine.  This  number  of  the  almanac, 
although  it  was  the  largest  yet  issued,  was  so  much 
in  demand  that  the  edition  was  soon  exhausted,  and 
Sower  advertised  in  several  newspapers  requesting 
that  if  any  store-keeper  or  peddler  had  more  on  hand 
than  he  had  prospect  of  selling,  he  would  thank  him 
to  return  them  and  get  his  money  back. 

The  practical  information  the  editor  was  bringing 
together  in  the  almanac  from  year  to  year,  made  each 
succeeding  issue  more  popular  than  its  predecessor. 
In  1762  he  began  the  "  Krautcrbuch."  a  description 
of  the  virtues  and  properties  of  the  most  celebrated 
herbs  and  roots.  In  indicating  his  purpose  in  this 
work,  he  suggests,  "  If  one  will  only  keep  these 
almanacs  together,  he  will  eventually  have  a  little 
herb  book  at  a  small  cost." 

The  work  was  carefully  planned.  It  was  intended 
to  be  simple  and  practical  and  at  the  same  time 
thorough-going.  He  began  in  regular  order  a  de- 
scription of  the  medicinal  plants,  giving  their  German, 
English  and  Latin  names.  He  explains  their  char- 
acteristics and  medical  properties,  with  specific  direc- 
tions as  to  their  uses  and  the  way  to  prepare  them  for 
the  diflferent  diseases.  He  avoids  technical  terms,  but 
explains  everything  in  such  simple,  concrete  language 
that  the  most  ignorant  can  understand  it. 

141 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

This  matter  formed  an  important  installment  of 
each  almanac  from  1762  to  1777,  when  it  was  com- 
pleted. It  was  now  furnished  with  an  index,  referring 
to  the  number  of  the  almanac  in  which  each  plant  was 
treated.  Those  who  had  acted  upon  the  editor's  sug- 
gestion and  had  kept  their  almanacs  together,  now 
had  a  little  herb  book  of  positive  worth. 

As  an  example  of  his  method  in  this  work,  I  have 
selected  a  plant  that  is  at  the  same  time  well  known 
to  everybody  and  briefly  treated  by  the  "author.  This 
will  give  a  fair  idea  of  his  usual  method  of  treatment. 

Sassafras,  Eng.  Sassafras,  Lat.  Sassafras, 

"  The  root  of  the  sassafras  tree  is  very  useful,  and  the 
bark  of  the  root  is,  for  its  medical  properties,  one  of 
the  most  extensively  used  herbs  that  grow.  It  has 
the  virtue  of  being  able  to  dry  up  all  the  fluids  of  the 
system,  to  purify  the  blood,  to  sweeten  the  profuse 
saline  humors,  and  drive  them  of¥  through  the  skin 
and  perspiration,  and  especially  to  purge  the  Gallo- 
mania or  French  Pox  from  the  blood. 

"  From  this  root  almost  all  sorts  of  remedies  may  be 
prepared.  If  a  good,  sweat-producing  decoction  of 
herbs  is  desired,  take  sarsaparilla  root,  pounded  pock- 
wood,  China  root,  bark  of  sassafras  root,  one  and  one- 
fourth  ounces  each ;  Hungarian  antimony  one  ounce ; 
rosin  two  ounces ;  fennel  seed  and  cinnamon  each  a 
quarter  ounce.  Cut  and  pound  all  together,  put  into 
an  earthen,  tin,  or  glass  vessel,  pour  a  gallon  or  more 
of  spring  or  rain  water  on  it,  cover  up  the  vessel  and 
let  it  boil  for  several  hours ;  then  draw  off  and  give  it 

142 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


warm  to  the  patient  to  drink,  one  or  one  and  a  half 
cups  each  niorninj;  and  evoninf^f. 

"  This  drink  w  ill  drive  olT  all  the  acrid  salty  humors 
throus^h  the  persi^iration  and  stools.  It  improves  the 
blood,  serves  to  dry  up  and  heal  sores  of  long  standing, 
and  replaces  them  with  good,  sound  flesh,  and  it  pro- 
motes the  regular  circulation  of  the  blood." 

In  176v3  another  series  was  begun.  This  the  author 
called  Revised  History  of  England.  Some  eight  or 
nine  pages  of  each  issue  were  given  to  it.  The  his- 
tory was  given  in  rather  copious  outline  to  the  Refor- 
mation, then  in  greater  fullness  to  the  reign  of  William 
and  Mary.  It  was  the  author's  purpose  to  go  more 
and  more  into  details  as  he  approached  the  present. 
But  the  destruction  of  his  establishment  in  1777 
brought  the  series  to  an  abrupt  close,  and  left  the 
history  unfinished.  It,  too,  had  been  exceedingly  pop- 
ular with  the  readers  of  the  almanac. 

Other  ways  of  helping  and  instructing  the  people 
were  also  found.  Simple  business  transactions  were 
explained  and  commented  upon.  At  one  time  the  edi- 
tor gave  examples  of  promissory  notes,  and  showed 
how  to  sign  them  and  endorse  them.  He  also  showed 
how  a  joint  note  should  be  drawn  and  signed.  Ex- 
amples of  receipts  were  likewise  given  and  their  pur- 
f>ose  explained. 

In  another  number  deeds,  contracts  and  so  forth 
were  treated.  Illustrative  examples  of  the  different 
kinds  of  deeds  were  given.  Bonds  of  apprenticeship, 
and  arbitration  bonds  were  explained  and  illustrated. 
Wills  were  treated  likewise. 

143 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


In  still  another  issue  there  were  specimen  pages  of 
the  letters  of  the  alphabet,  both  capitals  and  small  let- 
ters, which  were  intended  as  a  copy  from  which  chil- 
dren and  others  might  learn  to  write. 

Thus  in  almost  every  conceivable  way  Sower  exerted 
himself  to  fill  his  almanac  from  year  to  year  with  a 
fund  of  useful  information  that  should  be  helpful  to 
his  less  fortunate  brothers. 

He  did  not  lose  sight,  however,  of  the  artistic.  In 
general  plan  and  make-up,  the  exercise  of  good  taste 
is  everywhere  to  be  observed.  Illustrations  are  fre- 
quently inserted,  which  was  something  unusual  for 
that  day.  The  issue  for  1762  contained  two  illustra- 
tions, a  sketch,  or  general  view  of  the  city  of  Montreal 
in  Canada,  and  a  portrait  of  Charles  Frederick  III., 
King  of  Prussia. 

The  Sower  almanacs  had  an  unprecedented  sale. 
They  were  so  popular  that  all  competitors  were  driven 
from  the  field.  They  were  sold  throughout  the  Ger- 
man colonies  and  as  far  south  as  the  Carolinas  and 
Georgia.  Almost  every  year  the  edition  was  enlarged, 
and  yet  the  editor  frequently  failed  to  have  enough 
to  supply  the  demand.  We  have  seen  the  condition  in 
1761,  and  how  he  endeavored  to  call  in  any  copies  that 
were  not  finding  ready  sale.  Situations  similar  to  this 
seem  to  have  occurred  frequently. 

Because  of  the  wonderful  vogue  of  Sower's  almanac 
we  should  not  infer  that  it  was  without  competitors. 
Franklin  published  a  German  almanac  as  early  as 
1748,  but  soon  discontinued  it,  as  there  was  no  de- 
mand for  it.  Armbruster  brought  out  one,  too,  about  the 

144 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


same  time,  but  soon  withdrew  it  for  tlic  same  reason. 
Ileinricli  Miller  bej^an  a  similar  publication  in  1762, 
with  but  little  better  success.  In  1771  the  Ephrata 
Brotherhood  began  to  issue  a  German  almanac,  and 
in  1775  Francis  Baily  began  a  similar  enterprise.  None 
of  them  succeeded  to  any  appreciable  extent,  however, 
until  after  the  Revolution,  when  German  almanacs 
became  numerous. 

///.  Geistliches  Magazien. 

If  the  Sower  newspaper  and  almanacs  have  their 
peculiar  interest  and  appear  to  us  as  being  unusual 
for  their  day,  the  Sower  magazine  is  certainly  no  less 
so.  The  first  two  were  the  work  of  the  first  Sower, 
projected  and  established  by  him,  and  later  enlarged 
and  developed  by  his  son.  The  magazine  is  the  work 
of  the  younger  man,  and  was  brought  into  being  only 
some  five  or  six  years  after  his  illustrious  father  had 
been  in  his  grave. 

In  the  way  of  originality  this  third  venture  was  no 
less  characteristic  than  the  first  two  had  been.  Even 
more  distinctly  than  they,  the  magazine  was  a  pioneer. 
The  newspaper  and  the  almanac  were  the  first  in  their 
respective  fields  in  German  type.  The  magazine  was 
more  than  this :  it  was  one  of  the  first  magazines  of 
any  kind  to  appear  in  the  American  Colonies. 

It  is  a  singular  fact  that  the  first  periodical  of  this 
kind  in  the  English  Colonies  of  the  New  World  should 
be  out  and  out  German.  The  German  immigrants  con- 
stituted but  a  comparatively  small  proportion  of  our 
scattered  population  at  the  close  of  the  French  and 

145 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


Indian  War.  Most  of  them,  moreover,  were  exceed- 
ingly poor,  and  many  of  them  had  been  almost  entire- 
ly without  educational  opportunities.  They  were  pre- 
vailingly of  the  peasant  class,  and  so  straitened  were 
the  circumstances  of  some  of  them  that  they  were 
compelled  to  sell  themselves  into  servitude  for  a  period 
of  time  to  pay  for  their  transportation. 

This,  however,  is  the  clientele  for  whom  the  first 
magazine  in  the  New  World  was  projected.  Certainly 
the  prospect  was  not  very  auspicious.  Yet  there  was 
something  in  the  conditions  and  in  the  attendant  cir- 
cumstances that  led  the  noble-hearted  editor  to  under- 
take the  project. 

He  saw  his  fellow-countrymen  in  a  new  environ- 
ment, in  a  situation  in  which  they  would  be  led  to 
think  especially  of  their  material  surroundings.  They 
were  largely  an  agricultural  people,  so  circumstanced 
that  they  had  literally  to  hew  their  farms  out  of  a 
veritable  wilderness.  Their  houses  had  to  be  erected 
"  from  the  stump,"  and  almost  every  article  of  house- 
hold furniture  and  implement  for  the  farm  was  the 
product  of  their  own  unskilled  hands.  Life  was  ter- 
ribly grim  and  earnest  to  them,  and  there  was  danger 
that  the  spiritual  side  of  their  nature  would  be  wholly 
dwarfed. 

Sower  saw  this  condition.  His  heart  had  often  been 
moved,  he  tells  us,  when  he  observed  the  ignorance 
and  carelessness  of  the  people  generally  in  regard 
to  religious  matters ;  and  he  thought  this  condition  of 
things  prevailed,  either  because  the  people  had  no  de- 
sire to  receive  religious  instruction  or  had  no  oppor- 

146 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


tiinity  for  ddiiig;  so.  He  complains  tliat  wlu-n  people 
listen  to  an  inslriiclive  discourse  or  sermon,  the  mind 
is  often  so  ill-prepared  to  receive  what  is  heard  that 
the  message  is  forgotten  l)elore  the  person  reaches 
home. 

Religious  books,  too,  he  observes,  are  very  scarce 
among  the  people  if  not  entirely  wanting.  Either  the 
people  are  very  poor,  or  they  spend  their  money  for 
other  things  than  religious  books.  Even  if  one  occa- 
sionally buys  a  book  of  this  kind,  it  is  a  long  time  be- 
fore he  reads  many  pages  of  it;  he  generally  lays  it 
aside  before  he  has  read  it  half  through. 

The  observance  of  these  things  had  often  saddened 
the  good  man's  heart,  and  he  had  considered  how  he 
could  remedy  the  unfortunate  situation.  It  occurred 
to  him  that  if  some  brief  religious  publication,  terse 
and  to  the  point,  were  put  into  the  hands  of  the  peo- 
ple without  cost,  perhaps  many  of  them  would  take 
time  enough  to  read  half  a  page  carefully,  and  in  do- 
ing so,  would  probably  be  impressed  so  that  they  would 
think  of  it  further.  They  might  also  become  really 
interested  in  it,  and  in  that  case,  they  would  read  it 
through  at  another  time  and  would  probably  receive 
more  good  than  from  the  former  reading.  If  then  at 
a  later  time  another  such  religious  tract  should  come 
into  their  hands,  they  would  repeat  these  operations. 

This  was  the  line  of  reasoning  by  which  Sower  ar- 
rived at  the  conclusion  that  he  would  publish  a  maga- 
zine. We  see  that  his  purpose  was  wholly  charitable. 
At  his  own  individual  cost  he  would  produce  a  publi- 
cation that  should  contain  wholesome  moral  and  re- 

147 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

ligious  instruction  and  distribute  it  gratuitously  among 
the  people,  with  the  hope  that  it  might  arrest  some 
one's  attention  and  lead  him  to  think  upon  his  ways. 

Just  when  he  arrived  at  this  conclusion,  we  have  no 
way  of  knowing,  but  he  assures  us  that  when  he  sent 
forth  the  first  issue  this  had  been  his  determination 
for  a  considerable  time ;  and  he  naively  adds :  "  but  as 
every  good  undertaking  under  heaven  now  and  then 
has  its  hindrances,  so  has  it  happened  also  in  this  case, 
and  it  has  been  prevented  from  time  to  time." 

Finally  an  event  occurred  of  which  we  have  definite 
knowledge  that  seems  to  have  transformed  this  pious 
purpose  into  action,  and  incidentally  it  fixes  for  us  the 
approximate  date  of  the  first  issue.  Continuing  in  his 
preface  he  says :  "  As  I  had  now  completed  the  great 
work  of  printing  the  Bible  so  fortunately,  and  under 
peculiarly  favorable  circumstances,  it  seemed  to  me 
that  it  was  my  highest  obligation,  in  recognition  of 
God's  favor,  not  to  put  off  this  good  intention  any 
further ;  especially  when  I  remembered  that  the  origi- 
nal purpose  of  estabhshing  this  printing-press  was  for 
the  honor  of  God  and  the  good  of  mankind ;  and  that 
God  has  brought  me  into  the  world  and  has  allowed 
me  to  live,  like  all  other' men,  for  no  other  purpose 
than  that  I  would  seek  his  honor  and  try  to  serve  my 
neighbor  in  every  possible  way.  So  I  am  now  mak- 
ing a  beginning  by  issuing  such  a  little  magazine  as  I 
have  spoken  of." 

It  is  known  that  the  edition  of  the  Bible  here  refer- 
red to  came  from  Sower's  press  late  in  the  year  1763. 
As  the  whole  edition  seems  to  have  been  printed  and 

148 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


bound  with  considerable  disiiatch,  it  is  aUogetiier  prob- 
able that  some  time  duriiif^  the  followins^  year  wit- 
nessed the  appearance  of  the  mas^azine. 

So  the  Gcistliclics  Magazine  was  a  sort  of  thank- 
offering  for  the  success  with  which  Sower  had  been 
enabled  to  bring  forth  the  second  edition  of  the  Bible. 

In  order  that  his  purpose  might  not  be  misunder- 
stood, and  to  free  himself  from  suspicion  of  seeking 
gain  from  the  enterprise,  he  assures  the  public  that  the 
magazines  are  to  be  given  away  and  his  sole  object  in 
issuing  the  little  journal  is  the  good  of  his  fellow-men. 

Although  the  magazine  was  a  voluntary  contribution 
to  the  public,  growing  out  of  philanthropic  motives, 
yet  the  publisher  refused  to  be  bound  to  any  definite 
time  of  issue,  but  w-arned  his  readers  that  he  would 
"  proceed  with  it  as  the  materials  come  to  hand  and  as 
the  time  and  circumstances  permit."  This  policy  seems 
to  have  been  adhered  to.  It  does  not  appear  that  there 
was  a  fixed  time  of  issue,  or  that  the  successive  num- 
bers appeared  at  regular  intervals. 

He  is  careful  also  to  assure  the  public  that  he  ex- 
pects no  honor  from  the  enterprise.  As  an  evidence 
of  this  he  assures  them  that  he  shall  not  use  the  jour- 
nal to  market  his  own  wares,  but  that  he  will  "  busy 
himself  in  making  instructive  extracts  from  all  sorts 
of  writings  both  ancient  and  modern,  and  from  the 
English  as  well  as  from  the  German,  such  as  shall  be 
useful  and  edifying  to  all  men."  He  does  not  forget 
to  add  in  parenthesis,  however,  that  in  case  he  should 
deem  some  of  his  own  composition  better  suited  to  his 
purpose  than  the  writings  of  others,  he  would  not  hes- 

149 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

itate  to  accord  to  himself  the  same  privileges  granted 
to  others. 

He  invites  his  readers  to  send  in  contributions  for 
the  magazine,  in  keeping  with  his  purpose  as  he  has 
defined  it.  He  warns  them,  however,  that  all  matter 
must  be  strictly  in  accordance  with  the  Word  of  God. 

Such  is  the  plan  and  policy  of  the  magazine  as  ex- 
plained in  the  preface  to  the  first  issue.  In  summariz- 
ing his  policy  the  publisher  observes  reflectively : 
"  Truth  always  carries  with  it  the  preserving  power 
of  salt,  and  when  it  comes  in  contact  with  a  wound  of 
sin,  it  irritates  it,  but  it  also  heals  him  who  uses  it 
aright.  The  work  now  in  hand  is  a  magazine  in  which 
all  sorts  of  things  are  to  be  found :  admonitions,  cor- 
rections, edifying  epistles,  biographical  sketches  of 
persons  divinely  blessed,  instructive  occurrences,  and 
whatever  else  can  avail  for  the  honor  of  God  and  the 
service  of  mankind." 

With  this  high  purpose  as  his  goal,  the  indefatigable 
editor  set  about  to  accomplish  it  by  means  of  a  very 
modest  little  journal.  After  the  first  issue  the  copies 
of  the  magazine  consisted  of  eight  duodecimo  pages 
each,  without  covers.  The  first  number  was  twice  as 
large.  It  comprised,  besides  the  title  page  and  its  re- 
verse, a  Vorrede  or  address  to  the  kind  reader,  which 
serves  as  an  introduction  to  the  whole  series.  This 
fills  four  pages.  The  last  ten  pages  are  given  to  the 
usual  magazine  matter. 

The  title  runs  thus :  Ein  Geistliches  Magazien, 
Oder:  Aus  dem  Schatsen  der  Schrifftgelehrten  sum 
Himmelreich  gelehrt,  dargereichtes  Altes  und  Neues. 

150 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


(Translation)  A  Religious  Magazine,  or  Old  and 
New  Things  brought  forth  from  the  Treasures  of 
Theologians  learned  in  Heavenly  Wisdom. 

In  all  sixty-four  numbers  wore  printed  in  two  series, 
ruiming  from  about  1764  to  1772.  These  series  will  be 
considered  separately.  The  first  contains  fifty  num- 
bers, and  they  are  undated,  so  there  is  no  way  to  fix 
with  positive  certainty  the  time  of  their  appearance. 
The  whole  series  is,  however,  mmibered  and  paged 
consecutively,  and  they  are  of  uniform  size  and  ap- 
pearance. The  pages  are  usually  printed  in  double 
columns,  although  this  is  not  without  exception.  Gen- 
erally the  pages  are  completely  filled,  and  not  infre- 
quently finer  type  is  used  at  the  close  so  as  to  complete 
the  last  article. 

We  have  seen  lliat  it  was  the  purpose  of  the  editor 
to  fill  his  pages  witli  gleanings  from  the  moral  treatises 
of  great  writers,  ancient  and  modern,  and  in  this  way 
to  give  his  readers  the  best  that  had  been  written.  It 
may  be  interesting  to  know  some  of  the  works  from 
which  he  drew.  The  first  to  be  brought  under  contri- 
bution was  William  Law's  "  Earnest  Call  to  a 
Thoughtful  and  Holy  Life."  Selections  from  this  work 
fill  the  first  four  numbers.  Numbers  eight  to  thirteen 
are  made  up  of  stories  and  selections  from  "  The  Life 
of  John  Engelbright."  Several  numbers  are  filled  from 
the  "  Geistliche  Kama."  Number  thirty-three  contains 
"  A  copy  of  a  writing,  which  Schoolmaster  Christopher 
Dock  had  written  out  of  Love  to  his  Scholars  who 
were  still  living,  for  their  Edification  and  advice." 
Numbers  thirty-one  and  thirty-two  contain  discourses, 

151 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


prayers  and  observations  of  the  Rev.  Andrew  Rivet, 
translated  instructions  in  regard  to  bringing  up  chil- 
dren. Numerous  examples  of  pious  children  and  so 
forth  are  taken  from  a  "  Child's  Book "  by  Jacob 
Janneyways.  Numbers  thirty-four  and  thirty-six  are 
made  up  of  poems  by  the  second  Alexander  Mack. 
Number  34  contains  two  poems,  one  on  the  "Correct 
Practice  of  Internal  and  External  Worship,"  and  the 
other  on  "  Real  and  Imagined  Freedom."  Number 
36  consists  of  55  eight-line  stanzas  on  "  Admonition 
against  Suicide,  and  the  Importance  of  Life."  Other 
numbers  contain  expositions  of  scriptural  passages,  as 
for  example  Number  6.  The  first  part  of  Number  5 
is  of  the  same  nature  and  purports  to  be  a  contribution 
by  Johannes  Einfaltig  (John  Simpleton).  This  num- 
ber concludes  with  a  poem  entitled  "  Of  The  Love  of 
Christ."  The  poem  consists  of  eleven  stanzas  of  ten 
lines  each,  rhyming  in  couplets,  except  the  first  four 
lines  which  rhyme  alternately.  In  all  these  poems  the 
poetic  structure  is  observed.  Not  so,  however,  with 
Number  17.  This  issue,  like  Number  5,  contains  both 
prose  and  poetry.  The  first  six  pages  of  this  number 
are  given  to  a  poem  of  57  stanzas  on  "  Instructive 
Nocturnal  Prayers  or  an  Earnest  Consideration  of 
Eternity."  The  singular  thing  about  this  is,  that  the 
stanzas  are  not  printed  as  poetry,  but  as  prose  verses. 
The  stanzas  contain  seven  lines  each,  and  the  poetry 
seems  to  be  of  a  high  order.  The  prose  article  on 
the  last  two  pages  of  this  number  is  entitled  "  After- 
thought," and  furnishes  one  of  the  few  instances  of 
pages  printed  solid,  without  division  into  columns. 

152 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


This  is  i)rol)ably  enough  to  give  a  sufficiently  clear 
idea  of  the  general  inake-uj)  and  ap[x;arance  of  the  first 
volume  of  these  interesting  publications.  To  show 
tlieir  tone  and  spirit  I  may  quote  one  of  the  short 
stories  from  the  Kinder-Bucli  of  Jacob  Janneyways, 
found  in  Number  28. 

Tabitha  Alder,  a  pious  daughter  of  a  clergyman  in 
England,  on  being  taken  ill  at  the  age  of  betv^reen  seven 
and  eight  years,  was  asked  what  she  thought  would 
become  of  her  if  she  should  die.  Her  answer  was 
that  she  greatly  feared  tiiat  she  would  be  lost,  because 
she  was  fearful  that  she  did  not  love  God.  When 
questioned  further  as  to  how  she  knew  that  she  did 
not  love  God,  she  answered :  "  What  have  I  done  for 
God  since  I  have  been  born?  Those  who  love  God 
keep  his  commands,  but  I  have  not  kept  any  of  them." 

She  was  asked  if  she  would  not  like  to  love  God. 
She  replied,  "  Yes,  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart,  if  I 
only  could."  She  was  told  to  pray  to  God  for  a  heart 
to  love  him ;  but  she  said  she  feared  it  was  too  late. 
She  was  greatly  grieved,  however,  because  she  could 
not  love  God. 

One  of  her  friends  who  saw  her  in  this  sad  condi- 
tion and  fasted  and  prayed  to  God  for  her,  asked  her 
afterwards  how  she  was.  She  replied  to  him  with 
great  joy,  saying  she  now  praised  the  Lord  that  she 
could  love  the  Lord  Jesus  heartily,  and  she  felt  that 
she  did  love  him.  "  O,"  she  said,  "  I  love  him  very 
much !  Praised  be  God  for  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Yes,  I  shall  soon  be  with  Jesus ;  he  is  my  husband  and 

153 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

I  am  his  bride ;  I  have  given  myself  up  to  him,  and  he 
has  given  himself  to  me ;  I  will  live  with  him  forever." 

Of  course  one  short  extract  can  go  only  a  short  way 
in  reflecting  the  varied  interest  found  in  the  magazine. 
The  range  of  appeal  in  its  pages  is  broad,  going  out  to 
all  classes  of  people.  The  spirit  of  the  articles  is  pre- 
vailingly kind.  The  editor  seeks  rather  to  win  his  read- 
ers to  the  ways  of  right  than  to  drive  them.  The  char- 
itable spirit  that  conceived  and  carried  forward  the 
worthy  enterprise  is  everywhere  oresent  in  its  pages. 

The  number  of  copies  printed  at  each  issue  of  the 
magazine  we  have  no  way  of  knowing.  But  as  they 
were  printed  for  gratuitous  distribution  and  were  sent 
to  the  subscribers  of  Sower's  paper,  the  number  was 
probably  determined  largely  by  the  size  of  that  sub- 
scription list.  A  dozen  years  before  the  appearance 
of  the  magazine,  the  newspaper  had  a  circulation  of 
four  thousand  copies.  What  the  number  was  in  1764 
we  are  nowhere  told,  but  it  was  probably  somewhat 
larger.  It  is  probable,  therefore,  that  the  number  sent 
out  at  each  issue  of  the  magazine  was  something  like 
five  thousand. 

Whether  this  estimate  be  correct  or  not,  it  is  certain 
that  within  the  century  and  a  half,  nearly,  since  they 
appeared  the  copies  of  this  first  volume  have  become 
exceedingly  scarce  and  valuable.  The  Pennsylvania 
Historical  Society  has  a  complete  set  of  them,  as  does 
also  Dr.  M.  G.  Brumbaugh  of  Philadelphia,  and  the 
Pennsylvania  State  Library  at  Harrisburg.  The  libra- 
ry of  the  German  Society,  Philadelphia,  has  the  first 

154 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


37  nmiil)crs  hound  tot;otlicr  in  a  neat  volume,  and  other 
sets  more  or  less  complete  arc  to  be  found. 

Rare  and  valuable  as  are  these  copies  of  the  first 
volume  of  the  magazine,  they  are  after  all  relatively 
common  when  compared  with  the  second  volume. 
That  a  second  volume  ever  existed  does  not  seem  to 
have  been  known  by  any  of  the  authorities  on  the  sub- 
ject. Seidensticker,  Hildeburn,  Evans,  Sabin — none  of 
them  make  mention  of  a  second  volume  ;  and  it  has  like- 
wise escaped  the  notice  of  later  writers,  such  as  Brum- 
baugh and  Sachse.  Oddly  enough,  however,  Evans  re- 
marks, "  No.  12  contains  a  poem  by  Alexander  Mack, 
printed  with  the  first  German  types  in  America,  which 
were  made  in  Germantown."  Sachse  iterates  this  state- 
ment. How  Evans  got  this  information,  if  he  does  not 
even  know  of  the  existence  of  a  second  volume,  is  hard 
to  explain. 

Volume  II  contains  only  fourteen  numbers,  though 
by  an  evident  oversight  of  the  printer,  the  issue  fol- 
lowing number  13  is  numbered  15.  That  this  is  an 
error  is  showm  by  the  paging,  which  is  continuous.  The 
pages  of  this  volume  run  from  1  to  160.  Nearly  half 
of  the  issues  of  this  second  series  are  double  numbers, 
as  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  fourteen  numbers  fill  160 
pages.   The  regular  numbers  contain  only  eight  pages. 

In  general  appearance  the  second  volume  is  like  the 
first.  The  title  page  is  the  same  except  that  the  word 
"  Geistliches  "  is  printed  in  slightly  smaller  type  and 
with  an  unornamented  "  G."  The  woodcut  ornament 
near  the  bottom  of  the  page  is  replaced  by  the  words 
"  Zweiter  Theil  "  between  two  lines  extending  across 

155 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

the  page.  Unlike  the  first  volume,  the  second  bears  a 
date,  1770.  This  is  of  course  the  year  when  the  series 
began.  It  probably  extended  over  some  two  years. 
The  size  of  the  pages  and  their  general  appearance 
are  the  same  as  the  first  volume. 

The  contents,  too,  are  in  no  characteristic  way  dif- 
ferent from  those  of  the  first  series.  One  number, 
however,  deserves  a  little  separate  notice.  This  is 
number  twelve.  We  have  seen  that  two  numbers  of 
the  first  volume  were  filled  with  poems  by  Alexander 
Mack,  Jr.  Number  12  of  the  second  volume  was  like- 
wise filled  from  his  pen.  This  number  is  made  up  of  a 
poem  entitled  Reim-gedicht  vor  die  Liebe  Jugend.  The 
poem  contains  one  hundred  stanzas,  but  is  printed  as 
prose  in  double  columns.  Each  stanza  thus  forms  a 
sort  of  verse  and  is  printed  like  a  paragraph.  A  pe- 
culiarity appears  in  the  numbering.  On  the  first  four 
pages  the  numbers  are  placed  in  the  middle  of  the 
columns,  on  the  last  four  pages  they  stand  at  the  up- 
per right  corner  of  each  paragraph.  A  note  at  the  end 
of  the  number  says,  "  Printed  with  the  first  type  that 
has  ever  been  cast  in  America."  Mr.  Norman  D. 
Gray  of  the  Pennsylvania  State  Library,  in  speaking 
of  this  type,  writes :  "  It  is  of  a  plain  good  face  and 
Pica  size,  or  perhaps  a  trifle  larger,  and  gives  No.  12 
quite  an  air  of  distinction  amongst  its  fellows."^ 

Only  one  copy  of  this  second  volume  is  known  to 
exist.    This  is  now  the  property  of  the  Pennsylvania 

'  In  a  recent  letter  to  the  author.  I  am  under  obligations 
to  Mr.  Gray  for  much  of  the  information  here  given  In  regard 
to  the  second  volume. 


156 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


State  Library  at  Harrisburg.  It  was  purchased  several 
years  ago  at  the  sale  <if  Judge  Samuel  W.  Penny- 
packer's  library  in  Philadelphia.  Judge  Pennypacker 
had  also  a  copy  of  the  first  volume.  The  State  Library 
secured  the  two  volumes,  the  only  complete  set  in  ex- 
istence, so  far  as  known. 

The  fourteenth  number  of  the  second  volume  (num- 
bered 15)  is  the  last  issue  of  which  there  is  any  rec- 
ord and  there  is  no  particular  reason  for  thinking  that 
any  were  issued  after  this.  It  seems  probable,  al- 
though there  is  no  direct  evidence  to  prove  it,  that 
these  later  numbers  succeeded  each  other  at  somewhat 
greater  intervals  than  the  earlier  ones  had  done.  It 
is  likely,  therefore,  that  this  last  number  came  from  the 
press  sometime  in  the  year  1772,  some  eight  years 
after  the  magazine  had  been  started.  Whether  the 
printer  became  tired  of  the  enterprise,  or  looked  upon 
it  as  a  failure,  or  for  some  other  reason  brought  the 
series  to  a  close  we  have  no  way  of  knowing. 

The  Geistlichcs  Magacien  is  an  honor  to  American 
journalism,  and  especially  to  the  Brethren  church. 
Through  it  the  Dunkers  became  the  first  exponents  of 
religious  truth  in  the  new  world  through  the  agency 
of  the  printing-press.  While  the  magazine  was  in  no 
sense  sectarian^  it  maintained  a  high  standard  of  mor- 
ality and  Christian  living,  and  so  fixed  an  ideal  for  the 
religious  journalism  that  was  to  follow. 

Reorganisation  of  the  Sower  Printing  Business. 

Six  years  after  the  famous  Sower  printing  establish- 
ment had  come  to  an  untimely  close,  an  enterprise  was 

167 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


started  in  Philadelphia,  which  may  be  regarded  as  a 
reorganization  of  the  Sower  press.  Following  the 
peace  treaties  of  1783,  the  wreck  of  the  original  Ger- 
mantown  plant,  which  had  been  confiscated,  was  put 
upon  the  market  and  the  most  of  what  was  still  usable 
was  bought  by  Peter  Leibert  and  his  son-in-law, 
Michael  Billmeyer.  With  this  equipment  they  opened 
a  printing  house  in  Germantown  in  1784  and  under- 
took to  resuscitate  the  Sower  periodicals  and  in  other 
ways  to  follow  in  the  steps  of  their  predecessors. 
Leibert  was  a  minister  in  the  German  Baptist  church, 
and  Billmeyer  was  a  Lutheran ;  so  long  as  Leibert  re- 
mained at  the  head  of  the  enterprise  the  business  nat- 
urally forms  a  part  of  the  present  history. 

Near  the  end  of  this  year  (1784)  they  issued  "  Der 
Hoch-Deutsch  Amcricanische  Calender"  for  the  next 
year.  It  was  a  quarto  and  contained  forty  pages.  It 
resembled  in  every  respect  those  printed  by  the  Sow- 
ers. While  they  retained  the  name,  form  and  make- 
up of  the  original,  they  began  them  as  a  new  series. 
This  issue  was  marked  "  Zum  Erstenmal  heransgege- 
ben."  The  almanacs  were  published  each  year  in  this 
same  form  to  the  end  of  the  time  with  which  our  his- 
tory is  concerned. 

The  next  year  Die  Germantauner  Zeitung  again 
made  its  appearance.  It  was  now  a  folio  sheet  16  x 
9  1-2  inches  and  the  price  was  raised  to  five  shillings. 
The  first  issue  contained  the  announcement  that  "  This 
paper  will  be  issued  every  fourteen  days  on  Tuesday 
afternoon."   The  first  number  of  this  new  series  bears 

158 


The  Sower  Periodicals 


date  (if  February  8,  1785.    It  appeared  fortnightly 

until  July  20,  1790,  when  it  became  a  weekly. 

It  was  a  poinilar  and  influential  journal  from  the 
beginninj;  of  its  new  career,  its  former  prestige  hav- 
ing much  to  do  doubtless  with  brini^ing  it  into  speedy 
favor.  The  Pennsylvania  Legislature  selected  it  as  the 
medium  of  making  public  its  proceedings,  a  favor 
which  Mclchior  Stciner,  the  publisher  of  the  Gcmein- 
>;iV/r/.i,v  Philadclphischc  Correspondent,  complained  of 
on  the  ground  that  Leibert  and  Billmeyer  had  not  sup- 
ported the  cause  of  the  Republic  during  the  Revolu- 
tion. How  long  it  existed  has  not  been  ascertained. 
It  had  a  wide  circulation,  being  sold  by  agents  in  Phil- 
adelphia, Middletown,  York,  Hanover,  Lebanon, 
Litsz,  Reading,  Kutztown,  Eraans,  Allentown,  Easton, 
New  Gcrmantown,  N.  J.,  Albany  and  New  York.  In 
the  latter  city  it  had  a  hundred  and  sixty  subscribers.^ 

The  partnership  of  Leibert  and  Billmeyer  was  dis- 
solved in  August,  1787.  Billmeyer  continued  the  busi- 
ness at  the  old  stand,  while  Leibert  began  an  in- 
dependent career  on  his  own  behalf.  In  the  allotment 
the  periodicals  fell  to  Billmeyer  and  for  this  reason 
pass  with  the  separation  beyond  the  sphere  of  the  pres- 
ent history. 

Leibert  remained  in  Germantown,  where  he  opened 
a  new  printing  ofifice  and  book-bindery  the  next  year. 
Here  he  gave  his  entire  time  to  book-making  and  job 
work.  The  fact  that  he  did  not  enter  the  field  of 
journalism  is  probably  due  to  the  terms  of  agreement 


'  Seiilensticker's  First  Century  of  German  Printing  In 
America. 

159 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

on  which  the  former  partnership  had  been  dissolved. 
I  have  found  pubHcations  bearing  his  imprint  as  late 
as  1797,  but  since  he  did  not  publish  a  periodical  his 
later  career  does  not  form  a  part  of  this  history. 


CHAPTER  V. 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century. 

We  have  seen  something  of  the  work  of  the  cele- 
brated Sower  press  and  of  tlie  stalwart  and  godly  men 
who  established  and  conducted  it.  By  means  of  this 
press  Germantown  became  not  only  the  religious  but 
also  the  literary  center  of  the  Dunkers  in  America  dur- 
ing the  period  we  are  treating.  About  this  center 
were  gathered  many  men  in  the  early  days  of  the 
church.  Under  the  stimulating  influence  of  the  Sow- 
ers a  distinct  literary  atmosphere  grew  up  in  the  little 
rustic  village,  and  not  a  few  of  the  Brethren  assem- 
bled here  gave  expression  in  literary  form  to  one  or 
another  of  the  problems  or  questions  of  the  day  that 
engaged  their  attention. 

Many  of  them  were  men  of  culture  and  scholarship. 
That  any  of  them,  however,  were  finished  scholars  or 
graduates  from  any  of  the  leading  universities  of  the 
time,  as  has  been  too  positively  insisted  upon,  may 
well  be  doubted.  They  were  earnest,  thoughtful, 
practical  men,  who  had  to  face  stern  facts  and  harsh 
realities,  and  to  them  life  was  a  very  intense  and 
serious  matter.  When  they  wrote  they  wrote  because 
they  had  something  to  say ;  and  the  bulk  of  their  writ- 
ing is  characterized  by  an  earnest,  sincere,  rugged 
directness  that  gives  it  positive  aim,  and  directs  it  to 
some  definite  mark. 

161 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


I  should  not  like  to  leave  the  impression,  however, 
that  their  work  is  devoid  of  literary  merit.  It  is  a 
distinct  merit  that  it  has  definite  direction  given  it, 
and  that  it  reaches  a  determined  object.  Of  the  finer 
literary  graces  and  the  higher  qualities  of  style  much 
of  it  is  entirely  wanting,  if  one  may  trust  his  judg- 
ment of  a  foreign  language.  Often  the  themes  are 
less  literary  than  practical  in  their  nature,  and  less 
effort  is  expended  in  saying  things  beautifully  than  in 
saying  them  forcibly. 

It  is  scarcely  possible  for  us  to  appreciate  today  the 
full  significance  of  this  early  literary  work  among  the 
Brethren.  The  first  two  Christopher  Sowers  were 
probably  the  most  powerful  men  in  the  early  days  of 
the  Dunker  church,  and  it  was  by  means  of  their 
printing-press  that  they  gained  and  exercised  this 
power.  They  stood  fearlessly  in  defense  of  any 
cause  they  espoused,  and  were  ever  ready  to  take  up 
any  cause  that  looked  to  the  improvement  of  the  con- 
dition of  their  fellow-countrymen.  In  return  for  this 
disinterested  service  they  enjoyed  their  almost  univer- 
sal confidence  and  esteem. 

They  advocated  the  principles  of  the  Dunker  faith 
and  made  them  known  and  respected.  Their  ex- 
emplary lives  proved  their  sincerity  in  what  they  did 
and  attracted  the  favorable  consideration  of  thought- 
ful people.  The  Sower  press  was  one  of  the  most  in- 
fluential in  America  in  that  day,  and  had  the  efTect  of 
bringing  the  Brethren  church  into  the  very  forefront 
of  public  attention.  The  church  pursued  a  liberal  and 
aggressive  policy.  Relatively  it  acquired  a  power  and 

162 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


prestige  in  the  land  that  it  lost  after  tlic  Revolution- 
ary war  and  wliicli  it  has  probahly  not  regained  to 
this  day. 

This  was  a  prosperous  period  of  tlic  churcli.  It 
numbered  among  its  members  men  of  iniluence  and 
power.  Some  of  them  were  gifted  speakers,  others 
were  fluent,  if  not  brUHant  writers,  and  not  a  few  of 
them  both  spoke  and  wrote  with  decided  force  and 
considerable  ease. 

Those  who  contributed  in  any  important  way  to  the 
Hterary  work  of  the  period  will  now  be  considered. 
Along  with  biographical  and  historical  matter,  which 
will  be  given  as  briefly  as  possible,  illustrative  extracts 
will  in  most  instances  be  inserted,  as  seems  expedient. 
These  will  serve  to  introduce  us  to  the  subject  matter 
treated  by  these  early  fathers  of  the  church,  and  at  the 
same  time  give  us  some  idea  of  their  power  as  writers 
and  of  their  literary  style. 

Alexander  Mack,  Sr. 

At  the  head  of  the  religious  movement  that  resulted 
in  the  organization  of  the  Dunker  church  stands 
Alexander  Mack.  And  a  fearless,  resolute  man  he 
was.  In  the  midst  of  conflicting  opinions  and  violent 
religious  discussions  he  stood  resolute  and  calm.  At 
a  time  when  others  hesitated  and  wavered,  when 
strong  men  were  swept  ofi  their  feet  by  the  billows 
of  doubt  and  persecution  and  uncertainty,  he  re- 
mained a  very  monument  of  strength.  He  seems  to 
have  seen  more  clearly  than  most  of  the  men  of  his 
time  through  the  confusion  and  turmoil  that  obscured 

163 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

the  vision  of  so  many  of  his  contemporaries.  Of  all 
the  great  leaders  that  those  troublous  times  brought 
forth  none  perceived  more  clearly  than  he  the  line  of 
cleavage  between  truth  and  falsehood,  and  none 
followed  the  path  of  duty  more  consistently. 

Alexander  Mack  was  born  at  Schreisheim  in  the 
Palatinate,  Upper  Germany,  in  1679.  He  seems  to 
have  descended  from  an  influential  and  wealthy  fam- 
ily, although  but  little  is  known  of  his  ancestry.  He 
inherited  valuable  property  in  his  native  village,  con- 
sisting of  a  mill,  several  fine  vineyards,  and  a  hand- 
some patrimony  besides. 

His  parents  were  pious  people,  as  appears  from  the 
fact  that  they  brought  him  up  in  the  Calvinistic  faith, 
and  that  he  was  early  a  communicant  of  the  Reformed 
church.  His  education  too  seems  to  have  been  carefully 
directed.  And  it  would  appear  from  his  writings  and 
what  we  know  of  his  power  in  the  use  of  language 
that  he  had  received  a  good,  thorough  course  of 
training.  He  is  also  known  to  have  been  a  man  of 
studious  habits  all  his  life.  His  literary  work  re- 
veals a  power  of  grasp  and  shows  a  mental  poise  that 
indicates  a  well-balanced  and  symmetrical  nature. 

As  a  young  man  he  was  deeply  moved  by  the  re- 
ligious unrest  of  his  time.  He  studied  the  Bible  care- 
fully in  the  light  of  the  various  religious  creeds  that 
clamored  for  his  allegiance.  His  reverential  study  of 
God's  Word  led  him  to  see  the  situation  as  it  was,  and 
made  it  impossible  for  him  to  harmonize  the  religious 
practices  of  his  day  with  the  divine  teaching.  Con- 
sequently he  came  to  be  without  a  church  home.  For 

164 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


some  time  he  was  merely  a  Separatist.  During  this 
time  lie  afliiiatcd  with  ihe  Pietists. 

Rut  this  (lid  not  satisfy  the  longings  of  his  soul.  He 
felt  that  the  teachings  of  the  New  Testament  could 
not  be  fully  lived  out  in  this  state.  His  understand- 
ing of  the  Scriptures  demanded  an  organization  in 
which  he  could  practice  the  rites  and  ordinances  of 
God's  Word.  As  there  was  no  organization  in  which 
they  were  practiced  according  to  his  understanding 
of  them,  but  one  course  lay  open  before  him.  That 
was  to  organize  a  body  whose  principles  and  methods 
of  observing  the  Christian  rites  should  be  in  strict 
accord  with  apostolic  teaching  in  all  respects.  How 
he  proceeded  to  do  this  we  have  seen  in  a  former 
chapter. 

During  the  period  of  his  separation  he  did  con- 
siderable evangelistic  work.  He  traveled  up  and 
down  the  Rhine  valley,  proclaiming  the  truth  of 
God's  Word  as  he  understood  it,  and  exhorted  men 
everywhere  to  repent.  How  unsatisfactory  his  po- 
sition at  this  time  must  have  been  is  seen  when  we 
reflect  that  at  the  same  time  he  was  urging  others  to 
forsake  their  sins  and  square  their  lives  by  the  gospel 
plan,  he  felt  that  this  could  only  be  done  within  the 
pales  of  God's  visible  church ;  yet  nowhere  did  the 
church  practice  the  ordinances  of  God's  house  as  years 
of  study  and  investigation  and  prayer  had  revealed 
them  to  him.  Doubtless  this  evangelistic  experience 
had  much  to  do  with  maturing  his  religious  convic- 
tions and  bringing  about  the  state  that  made  a  new 
organization  indispensable. 

165 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  married  Anna  Mar- 
garetha  CHng,  an  estimable  young  lady  of  his  native 
village.  The  marriage  was  a  fortunate  one  and 
brought  such  happiness  as  those  troublous  times  would 
allow.  She  was  a  faithful  companion,  encouraging 
and  supporting  her  husband  through  the  many  vicis- 
situdes of  his  life.  She  was  one  of  the  first  eight  at 
Schwarzenau,  and  followed  her  husband  and  this 
first  band  of  Brethren  from  one  place  of  refuge  to 
another,  until  they  found  a  safe  asylum  in  the  new 
world.  As  the  organizer  of  the  Brethren  church  and 
as  the  leader  and  pastor  of  this  first  congregation  we 
admire  the  courage  of  Alexander  Mack  and  revere 
his  memory.  But  how  much  of  the  strength  and 
fortitude  to  carry  forward  this  important  work  he  re- 
ceived from  the  encouragement  of  a  faithful  and  lov- 
ing companion  we  shall  never  know. 

After  the  organization  of  the  church  in  1708  he 
gave  his  entire  time  and  attention  to  caring  for  his 
little  flock  and  to  disseminating  the  doctrines  of  the 
New  Testament  as  he  understood  and  practiced  them. 
This  cost  him  his  patrimony  and  handsome  estate  at 
Schreisheim.  Fines,  prosecutions,  ransoms  from  im- 
prisonment soon  consumed  the  valuable  mill  and  fine 
vineyards.  Driven  from  place  to  place  with  his  little 
band,  by  the  stern  hand  of  unrighteous  law,  although 
poor  in  this  world's  goods,  he  was  yet  rich  in  love  to 
God  and  m  the  power  of  his  truth.  He  sacrificed  his 
worldly  possessions  willingly,  if  by  so  doing  he  could 
gain  greater  riches  in  Christ. 

After  many  hardships  and  persecutions  he  came  to 
166 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


America  in  172*'  and  settled  at  Germantown.  He  was 
accompanied  by  his  wife  and  three  sons  and  the  en- 
tire congregation  which  he  had  shcplicrded  so  faith- 
fully since  its  organization,  twenty-one  years  before. 
His  two  little  girls  had  been  released  from  this  world 
of  care  by  the  loving  heather  some  years  before. 

In  the  peaceable  land  of  Penn  he  found  at  last  what 
he  had  been  seeking  for  so  many  years  in  Germany  in 
vain — a  quiet  retreat  from  persecution  where  he 
could  worship  God  according  to  the  dictates  of  his 
conscience  unhindered  and  unmolested.  His  arrival 
in  Pennsylvania  caused  great  rejoicing  among  the 
Brethren  there.  His  presence  infused  new  life  into 
them,  and  the  work  of  the  church  was  wonderfully 
revived. 

He  at  once  assumed  the  oversight  of  the  church 
and  devoted  his  energies  to  establishing  the  doctrine 
he  loved  in  its  new  invironment.  In  this  he  was  ably 
seconded  by  Eld.  Peter  Becker.  From  this  time  on 
the  work  of  the  church  was  aggressively  carried  for- 
ward and  in  a  short  time  various  congregations  were 
established  in  the  surrounding  counties.  He  re- 
mained in  charge  of  tlie  Germantown  congregation 
until  his  death  in  1735. 

Under  his  direction  the  church  flourished.  His  un- 
tiring efforts  had  resulted  in  building  up  a  strong 
membership  and  organizing  them  into  a  working 
body.  His  wise  counsel  had  guided  the  infant  church 
through  the  critical  years  of  its  existence,  and  it  may 
be  said  that  at  his  death  he  left  it  thoroughly  es- 
tablished in  the  new  world. 

167 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

Elder  Mack  was  a  man  of  pleasing  personality.  He 
was  possessed  of  a  noble,  manly  bearing,  the  reflex 
of  a  pure  life  and  high  ideals.  A  quiet,  sympathetic 
disposition  made  him  easy  of  approach  and  enabled 
the  least  member  in  his  congregation  to  feel  easy  in 
his  presence.   He  ruled  by  love,  never  by  fear. 

His  intellectual  powers  were  strong  and  active.  He 
was  a  close  and  accurate  thinker.  His  opinions  were 
formed  after  a  careful  examination  of  all  the  ev- 
idence, and  when  once  formed,  were  not  lightly 
changed. 

He  was  thoroughly  versed  in  the  Bible.  Of  him  it 
might  be  said  as  of  the  poet  Milton,  that  he  practically 
knew  the  Bible  by  heart.  Not  that  he,  like  Milton, 
had  committed  it  to  memory,  but  that  he  had  mastered 
its  contents  and  knew  its  teachings  even  to  minute 
details. 

He  was  also  well  read  in  historical  subjects, 
especially  church  history.  In  his  earnest  desire  to 
know  the  practices  of  the  early  church  he  made  a 
careful  study  of  her  institutions  and  usages.  By  com- 
paring these  with  the  teachings  of  the  apostles,  he 
found  that  the  New  Testament  teachings  were  cor- 
roborated by  the  practices  of  the  early  church,  and 
felt  doubly  sure  of  the  correctness  of  his  views. 

Eld.  James  Quinter  summarizes  his  character  as 
follows  :^  "  His  Christian  character  seems  to  have 
been  that  of  a  primitive  follower  of  Christ.  Humility, 
zeal,  self-denial  and  charity  were  conspicuous  among 


'Memoir  af  Alexander  Mack. 

168 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


the  graces  that  adorned  his  character.  Tlie  high 
estimation  in  which  he  was  lield  by  his  brethren  is 
seen  in  the  circumstance  tliat  he  was  chosen  by  them 
to  be  their  minister.  He  was  the  first  minister  in  the 
Httle  Christian  community  organized  at  Schwarzenau 
in  1708,  and  labored  zealously  and  successfully  to  en- 
large the  borders  of  their  Zion.  Of  his  private  char- 
acter as  a  Christian  father,  we  may  infer  favorably 
from  the  circumstance  that  all  his  sons  became  pious, 
and  were  united  to  the  church  before  they  had  com- 
pleted their  seventeenth  year.  And,  what  seems 
somewhat  remarkable,  they  all  made  a  public  con- 
fession of  religion  in  the  seventeenth  year  of  their 
age. 

Alexander  Mack  is  the  author  of  two  printed 
works.  Rites  and  Ordinances  of  the  House  of  God, 
and  Ground-Searching  Questions.  Both  appeared  at 
Schwarzenau  in  1713,  and  were  probably  written  the 
same  year. 

The  former  is  a  concise  statement  of  the  principles 
of  the  Dunker  faith.  It  was  prepared  to  define  the 
position  of  the  church  at  a  time  when  distinctions 
were  not  sharply  drawn,  or  were  obscured  by  the  haze 
of  mysticism  that  enveloped  everything. 

The  discussion  is' carried  on  by  means  of  a  dialogue 
between  a  father  and  son.  The  son  constantly 
directs  the  conversation  to  those  subjects  and  con- 
ditions with  which  the  infant  church  had  to  contend, 
and  the  father  explains  them  at  considerable  length 
and  with  great  clearness.    In  the  adoption  of  this 

169 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


method  and  also  in  the  management  of  the  dialogue 
Mack  shows  decided  skill. 

His  treatment  of  the  various  topics  is  terse  and  to 
the  point.  There  is  no  needless  discussion  of  ir- 
relevancies.  The  author  is  perfectly  at  ease  with  any 
phase  of  the  discussion  that  comes  up  and  shows  that 
he  has  carefully  thought  through  the  whole  subject 
before.  A  Scriptural  quotation  that  may  be  needed 
for  proof  or  illustration  is  always  at  hand ;  likewise 
the  facts  of  history,  when  occasion  requires  them, 
can  be  marshaled  with  telling  effect. 

Some  of  the  subjects  discussed  are  Water  Baptism, 
The  Lord's  Supper,  Excommunication,  Love,  Faith, 
]\Iatrimony,  Taking  Oaths,  Outward  Worship,  The 
Excuse  of  Unbelievers,  Adultery,  Everlasting  Tor- 
ment, The  Reward  of  Believers,  Paternal  Advice.  To 
make  clear  the  position  of  the  church  on  these  and 
other  subjects  was  the  purpose  of  the  book. 

A  selection  from  the  book  itself  will  serve  to  give 
a  better  idea  of  the  work  than  any  description  of  it.^ 

Of  Faith. 

Son. — But  I  have  heard  it  asserted  that  all  sects  ap- 
peal to  Scripture,  and  hence  one  could  not  maintain 
his  faith  by  Scripture. 

Father. — Whosoever  says  this_,  that  because  all 
sects  appeal  to  Scripture,  therefore  a  true  believer 
must  not  do  the  same,  such  must  necessarily  be  a 
miserably  ignorant  person ;  for  it  is  to  a  believer  a 
strong  support  of  faith  to  know  that  all  sects  acknowl- 
edge the  Holy  Scripture  as  divine,  and  appeal  to  it, 


'From  the  English  edition  of  1888. 

170 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


though  they  do  not  believe  in  it  (scripturally)  ;  for 
there  is  a  f^rcat  dilTerenee  iKHwecn  ajipeaHnf;  to  the 
Seriptures  and  heHevini^  on  tlieni.  Tliis  we  can  per- 
ceive by  the  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus  when  he  said  to 
the  Jews,  "  I'"or  had  ye  beUeved  Moses,  yc  would  have 
believed  me:  for  he  wrote  of  nic."  John  5:  46.  The 
Jews,  it  is  true,  all  appealed  to  Moses,  but  in  his  vvrit- 
in.q;s  tliey  did  not  believe. 

Thus  all  sects  appeal  not  only  to  Scripture,  but  to 
Jesus  himself ;  but  as  they  believe  in  Jesus,  so  they  be- 
lieve in  the  Scripture.  Can  a  true  believer,  then,  be 
so  stujiid  or  blind  as  to  think  or  say,  "  Because  all  sects 
appeal  to  a  crucified  Savior,  therefore  I  may  not  ap 
peal  to  him  "  ?  That  would  please  the  devil  very  much. 

But,  no !  true  believers  have  learned  of  their  Lord 
and  Master  more  and  better  Avisdom ;  for  when  the 
devil  in  his  temptation  of  the  Lord  Jesus  appealed  to 
the  Scriptures,  Jesus  answered  in  faith,  and  appealed 
thereunto.  Matt.  4:  6,  7.  For  though  the  devil  and 
all  false  spirits  appeal  to  the  Scripture,  still  they  believe 
it  not.  Thou  wilt  discover  that  these  very  men,  who 
want  to  mislead  a  believer  by  saying  that  all  sects  ap- 
peal to  the  Scripture,  yet  will  always  api:)eal  to  that 
authority  themselves. 

Hence  the  believing  children  of  God  look  only  to 
their  heavenly  Father,  and  believe  and  follow  him  in 
his  revealed  Word,  because  they  are  assured  in  be- 
lieving that  God  and  his  express  Word  are  altogether 
one,  otherwise  a  believer  would  have  to  omit  much 
if  he  would  not  do  in  faith  what  the  wicked  and  in- 
fidels do  in  their  unbelief. 

He  would  not  be  allowed  to  pray,  to  sing,  to  labor,  eat 
and  sleep,  and  the  like,  because  to  the  wicked  it  is  all 
sin  and  abomination  before  God.  But  unto  believers, 
and  those  that  are  pure,  all  things  are  pure,  while  unto 
unbelievers  nothing  is  pure.  Titus  1  :  LS.  Therefore 
learn  well  to  distinguish  in  all  things  according  to  the 

in 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


Scripture,  that  thou  mayest  not  get  into  confusion,  as 
it  is  the  case,  alas !  with  many  souls  at  this  time,  who 
are  greatly  confused  when  they  see  the  ungodly  wicked 
performing  acts  of  worship,  such  as  praying,  singing, 
holding  meetings,  baptizing,  going  to  sacrament,  and 
the  like. 

Then  unenlightened  reason  may  think,  "  If  the 
wicked  do  this,  then  it  is  of  no  account,  and  I  will 
omit  it  altogether,"  and  thus  such  people  are  confound- 
ed so  much  that  at  last  they  know  no  more  what  to 
think  or  believe.  Thus  they  will  be  led  to  make  or 
invent  a  way  which  the  Scripture  did  not  teach,  and 
to  imagine  when  on  this  way  that  they  have  risen  high- 
er than  the  apostles,  and  hence  receive  no  counsel 
any  more  from  the  apostolic  writings.  Already  have 
I  known  and  heard  in  my  time  of  many  such  persons, 
but  have  also  noticed  that  the  end  of  their  way  has 
produced  a  deep  ruin ;  for  soon,  very  soon,  they  fell 
so  low  that  at  last  they  believed  nothing  at  all,  but  fell 
back  to  the  world  and  to  the  broad  road.  May  God, 
in  mercy,  preserve  all  simple  believers  in  Christ,  that 
they  may  not  desire  to  mount  so  high,  but  to  con- 
descend to  those  of  low  estate  and  humble  mind! 
Rom.  12:  16. 

And  Paul  says  to  his  son  Timothy,  "  From  a  child 
thou  hast  known  the  holy  Scriptures,  which  are  able 
to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvation  through  faith  which 
is  in  Christ  Jesus.  All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspira- 
tion of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof, 
for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness:  that 
the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  furnished 
unto  all  good  works."    2  Tim.  3:  15-17. 

Son. — Can  or  may  we  believe  in  all  things  the  testi- 
mony of  the  Holy  Scripture,  and  is  a  believer  bound 
to  believe  and  obey  that  Scripture,  or  does  the  spirit 
of  God  lead  him  other  ways  sometimes,  of  which  the 
external  letter  of  the  Scripture  knows  nothing? 

172 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Father. — It  is  not  necessary  to  tell  a  believer  that  he 
shall  and  nnist  believe  and  obey  the  Scriptures ;  for 
no  man  can  be  a  believer  without  tlie  Holy  Ghost, 
who  is  to  brinj:^  forth  faith.  Now  the  Scrijilure  is 
only  an  external  testimony  of  those  thinj^'s  which  have 
been  taught  and  commanded  by  the  Holy  Ghost  in 
former  times,  and  by  whom  also  were  pronounced  the 
promises  and  threatenings.  If  therefore  a  person, 
being  truly  sorry  and  repentant  of  his  sins,  through 
grace  obtains  the  Holy  Spirit  from  God,  the  Father  of 
all  spirits,  it  is  the  same  spirit  of  faith  that  worked 
many  hundred  years  ago  in  Peter,  Paul  and  John. 
And  though  the  Holy  Spirit  was  given  to  the  apostles 
in  a  greater  measure,  for  the  spread  of  the  Gospel,  yet 
he  is  the  same  Holy  Spirit  in  all  believers.  Now,  what- 
soever Paul,  Peter  and  John  have  written,  ordained 
jnd  commanded,  all  believers  were  then  agreed  to,  as 
far  as  they  were  sound  in  the  faith. 

Now,  since  there  is  but  one  God  and  but  one  Spirit, 
this  same  one  Holy  Spirit  can  will  nothing  else  but 
what  his  will  was  many  hundred  years  ago,  namely, 
our  sanctification.  And,  again,  what  the  Holy  Spirit 
has  ordained  for  believers  to  observe,  that  is  external- 
ly written  and  recorded,  and  with  this  agree  all  be- 
lievers, because  the  Holy  Spirit  teaches  us  inwardly 
just  the  same  as  the  Scripture  teaches  outwardly. 

But  whenever  men  come  upon  the  Scriptures  with 
their  own  wisdom  and  carnal  minds,  they  have  not 
within  themselves  the  spirit  of  faith  ;  hence  they  cannot 
believe  the  external  testimony  of  the  Scriptures,  nor 
exercise  the  obedience  of  faith.  And,  indeed,  it  is 
not  written  for  them ;  the  commandments  contained 
therein  do  not  concern  them.  Even  as  if  a  king  gave 
his  subjects  written  laws,  with  great  promises  to  those 
who  should  obey  them  and  also  great  threats  against 
those  who  should  not  observe  them.  Now  there  might 
other  men,  who  are  not  that  king's  subjects,  read  those 

173 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

laws  and  talk  about  them  a  great  deal ;  but  since  they 
are  not,  nor  wish  to  become,  subjects,  they  do  not  re- 
gard his  threats  or  believe  his  promises  or  bow  them- 
selves under  his  laws,  statutes  and  commandments. 

Just  so  it  is  with  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  New 
Testament.  Whosoever  reads  it  may  see  what  Jesus, 
the  King  of  kings,  has  promised  to  all  men  who  truly 
repent,  believe  in  him,  and  are  willing  to  follow  him 
obediently  in  all  his  commandments.  They  can  like- 
wise see  and  read  in  Holy  Writ  what  the  Lord  Jesus 
has  threatened  to  all  impenitent  sinners,  who  will  not 
repent  and  who  will  not  believe  his  Gospel,  nor  are 
they  willing  that  Jesus  with  his  commandments,  which 
he  has  left  to  us  in  writing,  through  his  Spirit,  should 
reign  over  them. 

A  man  may  read,  indeed,  outwardly  the  Scriptures ; 
he  may  talk  and  write  about  them,  but  if  he  has  not 
the  spirit  of  faith  in  him  he  will  concern  himself  but 
little  about  their  commandments,  nor  be  terrified  by 
the  threats  contained  therein.  The  reason  is  plain — 
his  inward  ears  are  not  yet  opened. 

Therefore  the  Lord  Jesus  said  unto  the  people  who 
heard  him  preach :  "  He  that  hath  ears  to  hear,  let 
him  hear."  Matt.  11 :  15;  13:  43.  And  in  the  Revela- 
tion of  St.  John  the  Spirit  of  God  calleth  upon  all  and 
each  of  the  seven  churches :  "  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let 
him  hear  what  the  Spirit  sayeth  unto  the  churches," 
etc.  Rev.  2 :  7. 

Thus,  when  a  person  reads  externally  the  Holy 
Scripture,  and  is  a  believer,  whose  inward  ears  are 
opened,  he  hears  what  the  Lord  Jesus  enjoins  in  his 
doctrine;  he  hears  what  the  apostles  require  in  their 
writings,  and  by  this  inward  hearing  he  is  urged  on 
to  observe  a  true  obedience  also  outwardly ;  he  reads 
externally  the  Scripture  in  faith,  and  hears  the  internal 
word  of  life,  which  gives  him  power  and  strength  to 
follow  Jesus.   But  where  faith  is  wanting,  a  man  may 

174 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


indeed  outwardly  hear  and  read,  and  say,  "  It  is  a  dead 
letter  which  I  cannot  obey,  because  I  am  not  internally 
convinced  of  wliat  is  outwardly  written."  But  he 
knows  not  that  lie  is  wanting  in  faith  and  the  true  love 
of  God.    John  14:  15. 

Of  the  External  and  Internal  Word. 

Son. — But  I  have  been  told  by  many  that  Christians 

stood  in  the  New  Covenant,  and  had  the  Law  of  God 
written  in  their  hearts,  and  consequently  it  was  not 
necessary  for  them  to  obey  and  follow  the  external 
Scripture. 

Father. — I  am  glad  that  thou  hast  started  this  ques- 
tion. Now  attend  well  to  the  pure  mind  of  God,  and 
thou  wilt  easily  see  that  such  sayings  contain  some 
truth,  which,  however,  is  very  much  mixed  with  lies ; 
for  when  the  Lord  God  formerly  manifested  to  his 
people  his  Law  by  Moses,  he  wrote  it  upon  two  tables 
of  stone  and  gave  them  to  Moses,  who  was  to  put  them 
in  the  Ark  of  the  Covenant.  Dent.  10:  1,  5 ;  Heb.  9:  4. 
They  were  to  make  a  copy  of  the  laws  and  place  them 
upon  the  posts  of  their  houses.  Deut.  6 :  6,  9.  It  is 
said  "  that  the  words  of  the  commandments  should  be 
in  their  hearts ;  of  which  they  should  talk  to  their  chil- 
dren, bind  them  for  a  sign  upon  their  hands,  and  write 
them  upon  the  posts  of  their  houses  and  gates." 

That  external  copy  now  was  to  be  nothing  else, 
much  less  anything  to  the  contrary,  but  a  faithful 
transcript  of  that  which  God  himself  had  written  on 
the  tables  of  stone,  and  which  were  laid  up  in  the 
Holy  of  Holies,  hidden  within  the  Ark  of  the  Cove- 
nant, so  that  the  external  and  internal  laws  were  of 
the  same  import.  Now,  what  the  Ark  of  the  Covenant 
was  in  the  Holy  of  Holies,  in  which  the  tables  of  the 
Law  were  kept,  that  is  now  in  the  New  Covenant, 
every  believer's  heart,  in  which  also  most  surely  will 
be  found  the  tables  of  the  Law  of  God,  with  the  law 


175 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


written  on  their  hearts,  not  by  the  hand  of  man,  but 
by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

And  this  law,  which  is  internally  written  by  the 
Spirit  of  God,  is  altogether  one  and  the  same  with  that 
externally  written  in  the  New  Testament,  which  has 
proceeded  entirely  from  the  internal,  and  is  an  express 
image  of  that  internal  living  word  of  God.  But  where 
a  person  proudly  says  that  the  law  of  God  is  in  his 
heart,  while  he  still  opposes  the  commandments,  stat- 
utes and  laws  which  the  Son  of  God  and  his  apostles 
have  instituted,  and  whereof  the  Scriptures  externally 
testify,  then  we  may  safely  believe  that  such  a  person 
is  yet  carnal,  and  that  the  law,  which  he  says  is  in  his 
heart,  has  been  written  there  by  the  spirit  of  error  and 
falsehood. 

Again,  herein  is  a  clear  token  of  the  Law  of  God 
and  of  the  law  of  the  deceiving  spirit.  For  all  in 
whose  hearts  the  Law  of  God  is  written  are  united  in 
the  one  faith,  in  the  one  baptism  and  in  the  one 
Spirit,  according  to  Jesus  Christ;  for  it  is  the  perfect 
will  of  the  true  Law-giver  that  his  own  should  all  be 
one,  even  as  the  Father  and  the  Son  are  one.  John 
17:  21.  But  the  law,  which  the  spirit  of  error,  by  his 
false  gospel,  writes  in  the  hearts,  is  of  such  a  kind 
that  it  is,  in  the  first  place,  quite  uncertain  concerning 
divine  testimonies.  Psa.  5 :  10.  In  the  second  place, 
it  separates  men  from  the  commandments  and  ordi- 
nances of  God,  and  divides  them  into  a  multitude  of 
different  confessions  and  opinions. 

I  have  observed  this  in  many  who  said  they  were 
a  free  people;  they  needed  not  subject  themselves  to 
the  Scripture  of  the  New  Testament  in  the  letter ;  for 
the  Law  of  God  was  written  in  their  hearts.  But 
likewise  have  I  seen  and  known  that  not  two  of  them 
were  agreed  concerning  the  beginning  of  a  Christian 
life,  or  the  principles  of  the  doctrine  of  Christ  accord- 
ing to  Scripture,  but  that  as  many  as  were  the  men 

176 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


that  had  such  a  haiig:hty  disposition,  so  many  were  the 
laws  which  they  had ;  and  I  was  often  led  to  think 
what  a  curious  spirit  that  must  be  who  would  write 
such  (lifTcront  laws  into  the  hearts  of  men. 

Of  this  tlie  Lord  God  conifilaincd  already  tliroue^h 
the  prophet  Jeremiah,  tliat  the  people  of  Israel  were 
led  astray  by  false  prophets,  forsook  the  only  Law  of 
God  and  the  only  altar  of  the  Lord,  and  in  their  false 
liberty  made  for  themselves  other  gods  and  altars,  ac- 
cx)r(linj^  to  their  own  notions.  Jer.  11 :  13.  The  same 
is  the  case  with  people  in  our  times,  who  boast  of 
great  liberty  without  obeying  the  divine  counsel  and 
commandments  according  to  Lloly  Scripture.  Truly 
it  may  be  said.  "  As  many  men,  as  many  spirits,  and 
as  many  laws." 

But  however  great  the  spiritual  pretensions  are,  it 
still  continues  to  be  Babylon,  confusion  and  discord. 
Yet  such  builders  will  not  desist  from  their  intentions, 
though  they  see  themselves  that  the  Lord  has  confused 
their  language.  Yea.  they  see  how  so  many  learned 
and  wise  people  have  built  in  this  manner,  contrary 
to  the  order  of  the  Lord  Jesus  and  have  been  brought 
to  shame  and  have  become  fools ;  still  new  builders 
begin  again  and  again  to  prosecute  this  building  of 
confusion.  Things  become  more  and  more  confused 
and  abominable,  and  if  they  shall  not  soon  cease,  there 
will  be  at  last  "  men  of  corrupt  minds,  reprobate  con- 
cerning the  faith.  But  they  sliall  proceed  no  further: 
for  their  folly  shall  be  manifest  unto  all  men,  as  theirs 
also  was."    2  Tim.  3 :  8,  9. 

Now  here  you  may  see  and  know  of  the  true  and 
false  law,  how  both  may  be  written  into  the  hearts  of 
men.  The  false  law  will  be  written  by  the  spirit  of 
error  into  the  hearts  of  the  unbelievino^;  the  true  law 
of  life  is  written  by  the  holy  spirit  of  truth  into  the 
children  of  the  New  Covenant,  in  the  true  believers, 
and  is  altogether  one  and  consistent  with  what  Christ 

177 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


externally  commanded,  and  with  what  the  apostles 
have  written. 

Mack's  other  work  is  Ground-Searching  Ques- 
tions, Proposed  by  Eberhard  Ludiuig  Gruber  to  the 
New  Baptists  of  Witgenstein,  to  be  answered  each 
separately:  Also  a  brief  and  plain  Reply  to  the  same, 
formerly  given  out  in  manuscript  by  a  member  of  the 
church  in  Witgenstein. 

This  consists  of  thirty-nine  queries  propounded  by 
Gruber  and  sent  to  the  church  for  answer.  The 
questions  seem  to  have  been  prepared  with  care  and 
were  submitted  in  a  kindly  spirit,  as  is  shown  by  the 
following  request : 

"  Beloved  in  God,  Friends  and  Fellow-pilgrims : 
"  There  are  many  who  have  hitherto  desired  to 
have  a  more  direct  account  and  report  of  your  new 
baptism  and  church,  since  that  which  has  been  said, 
or  even  written  here  and  there  on  the  subject, 
has  left  them  still  in  much  uncertainty.  In  order  now 
to  obtain  your  opinion  more  fully  and  authentically, 
and  to  be  relieved  from  all  further  doubt  on  this  sub- 
ject, we  have  come  to  the  conclusion  to  propound  to 
you  the  present  frank  and  simply-stated  questions, 
upon  which  we  expect  your  plain  and  candid  answers 
as  early  as  possible." 

To  this  request  Mack  replied  as  follows: 
"Dear  Friends:    Since  you  ask  in  love  our  opinion, 
and  since  also  the  Apostle  Peter  teaches  believers, 
1  Peter  3  :  15,  to  '  be  ready  always  to  give  an  answer  to 
every  man  that  asketh  you  a  reason  of  the  hope  that  is 

178 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 

in  you,'  wo  wmiKl  not  avoid  giving  you  in  love  and 
candor,  and  willi  assurance  of  faith  according  to  our 
simplicity,  very  brief  answers  to  these  proposed  ques- 
tions, and  to  leave  liieni  to  your  examination  before 
God." 

In  this  work,  as  in  the  Plain  Vie-w,  the  author  treats 
his  topics  in  a  very  brief  and  condensed  manner.  The 
answers  are  sufficiently  full  and  comprehensive,  how- 
ever, and  are  always  clear.  The  style  is  direct  and 
simple  and  almost  severely  terse. 

In  reply  to  the  query,  whether  an  all-wise  God  did 
not  permit  the  ceremony  of  baptism  to  be  put  entirely 
away,  so  that  in  its  place  a  new  dispensation  of  the 
Spirit  might  be  established  for  his  people,  in  accord- 
ance with  all  the  prophetic  promises,^  Mack  an- 
swered in  the  following  words : 

"  We  are  of  the  opinion  and  believe  as  the  apostle 
says,  Heb.  7:12,  'The  priesthood  being  changed, 
there  is  made  of  necessity  a  change  also  of  the  law.' 
As  long  as  the  Levitical  priesthood  was  standing,  so 
long  no  one  was  permitted  to  abolish  the  Law  of  cir- 
cumcision without  incurring  severe  punishment,  and 
the  displeasure  of  God.  But  when  Christ  was  come, 
he.  as  the  eternal  High-Priest  and  Son  of  God,  in- 
troduced a  law  of  life,  and  the  first,  because  of  its 
weakness  and  inability  to  produce  perfection,  was 
abolished.  Christ  having  obtained  eternal  redemption 
for  us.  revealed  the  way  to  the  Holy  of  Holies,  gave 
none  but  laws  of  life,  and  established  his  will  or 
testament  by  his  blood,  so  that  we  believe  and  confess, 


'  Query  6. 


179 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


should  an  angel  from  heaven  come,  and  intend  to  re- 
veal another  or  better  gospel,  that  even  such  an  angel 
must  be  accursed,  according  to  the  testimony  of  Paul, 
Gal.  1 :8.  Hence  we  believe  that  the  doctrine  of  Jesus, 
the  Crucified,  is  to  be  observed,  until  he  himself  shall 
come  again,  in  flaming  fire,  and  take  vengeance  on 
them  that  have  not  been  obedient  to  his  Gospel,  in 
accordance  with  the  testimony  of  Paul,  2  Thess. 
1 :  7,  8.  Therefore  the  doctrine  of  Jesus  is  justly  to  be 
observed  by  the  believers  in  our  days,  but  to  the  un- 
believers nothing  seems  to  be  commanded." 

It  will  be  observed  that  this  query  savors  of  the 
very  essence  of  mysticism  or  pietism. 

The  belief  that  Christianity  could  consist  entirely 
of  the  spirit,  without  reference  to  external  forms  and 
ceremonies,  was  very  common  and  was  held  by  a 
great  many  persons  in  Mack's  day.  It  is  a  deceptive 
doctrine  and  one  of  the  most  popular  errors  that  the 
early  church  had  to  contend  with. 

Mack  states  the  position  of  the  church  on  the  ques- 
tion, which  is  of  course  also  his  own  view,  in  no  un- 
certain language.  The  fact  that  he  thus  early  and 
clearly  defined  the  position  of  the  church  on  this  point 
may  have  had  much  to  do  with  the  fidelity  and 
consistency  with  which  the  church  has  always  clung 
to  the  literal  form  of  observing  all  the  external  or- 
dinances. 

It  may  not  be  amiss  in  our  day  to  have  our  attention 
called  anew  to  this  same  deception.  There  is  an  easy 
way  of  disposing  of  the  positive  commands  of  Christ 
by  placing  them  in  the  realm  of  allegory  and  ex- 

180 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


plaiiiiiij^  them  siini)ly  as  types  and  illustrations.  How 
prevalent  ihc  habit  of  doiiicf  this  is,  most  of  us  know. 
And  what  the  Christian  church  has  lost  by  letting  go 
of  the  plain,  simple  commands  of  Christ  and  substitut- 
ing some  "  easier  way"  no  one  can  estimate. 

On  this  point,  however,  the  Brethren  church  stands 
just  where  it  did  in  1708.  Wc  still  hold,  and  we  be- 
lieve that  experience  as  well  as  history  proves  it,  that 
the  fullest  Christian  character  can  be  attained  only  by 
literal  obedience  to  God's  Word.  The  spiritual  bless- 
ing that  comes  from  obedience  is  a  rich  reward  for 
following  the  Master  literally  in  all  things. 

Mack's  answer  to  Gruber's  22nd  query  raised  a 
storm  of  protest.  The  query  was,  "  Whether  the  ex- 
ternal ban  (excommunication)  is  an  essential  part  of 
the  constitution  of  the  church  of  Christ,  since  he  him- 
self did  not  enforce  and  exercise  it  even  upon  the 
very  wicked  Judas." 

Here  is  the  answer. 

"  The  ban  is  an  essential  and  necessary  thing  in  the 
church  of  Christ,  as  long  as  it  is  at  war  in  this  wicked 
world  with  wolves  and  evil  spirits.  No  church  of 
Christ  could  exist  without  it.  The  devil  with  his 
leaven  of  wickedness  would  soon  destroy  all  that  is 
good.  True  believers,  while  they  were  steadfast  in 
the  faith,  never  could  refuse  the  salutary  restraints 
appointed  in  the  Gospel.  They  have  always  viewed 
them  as  divine  means  of  grace,  appointed  by  the  great 
love  and  provident  care  of  God.  and  used  them  as  a 
strong  tower  and  wall  round  about  the  church  of  the 
Lord. 

181 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

"  With  respect  to  Judas,  we  say  that  Christ  has 
executed  the  ban  sufficiently  upon  him,  giving  him 
over  to  Satan,  for  he  hanged  himself.  But  that  he 
was  not  excommunicated  before  he  committed  the 
outward  act,  is  not  against  excommunication,  but 
rather  in  its  favor.  This  was  the  mind  of  God  at  all 
times,  as  we  perceive  in  Adam,  who  may  have  had 
some  intercourse  with  the  tempter  previously  (to  his 
fall),  but  he  was  not  driven  out  of  Paradise  until  he 
had  actually  eaten  of  the  forbidden  fruit.  So  Judas 
may  have  entertained  traitorous  thoughts  long  before 
he  carried  them  out;  but  the  long-suffering  of  Jesus 
had  borne  with  him,  and  patiently  tried  to  bring  him 
to  repentance,  until  the  evil  obtained  the  supremacy 
and  became  manifest  in  the  deed ;  then  he  was  suf- 
ficiently excommunicated  by  Christ,  and  we  think  the 
ban  was  fully  executed  upon  him." 

From  these  citations  it  will  be  observed  that  Alex- 
ander Mack  was  not  wanting  in  directness  and  sim- 
plicity of  speech.  His  terseness,  almost  laconic  brev- 
ity, attests  the  practical  nature  of  the  man.  His  work 
is  not  remarkable  for  its  literary  merit,  but  it  is  not 
for  this  that  it  was  produced.  Mack  can  scarcely  be 
called  a  fluent  writer,  and  it  is  probable  that  he  was 
not  a  great  orator.  He  has  a  mastery  over  language 
that  enables  him  to  use  it  with  telling  effect,  but  he 
wields  it  as  an  artisan  rather  than  as  an  artist.  Never- 
theless, his  two  little  books  are  priceless  gems. 
Every  member  of  the  church  ought  to  read  them  care- 
fully.    Through   them  the  unique  position  of  the 

182 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Dunker  church  anionic  tlie  various  denominations  was 
first  pubUshed  to  tlic  world. 

Cliristophcr  Soiver,  Sr. 

We  have  already  called  attention  to  the  leading 
facts  in  the  life  of  this  great  man.  Born  in  central 
Germany  in  the  latter  years  of  the  seventeenth  century, 
lie  early  felt  the  intluciice  of  that  mighty  wave  of  re- 
ligious sentiment  that  was  sweei)ing  over  the  country. 
At  Schwarzcnau.  at  Berleberg.  at  Creyfclt  and  at 
other  places  he  came  in  contact  with  the  Dunkers  and 
other  dissenting  bodies,  among  whom  he  formed 
many  friendships  that  lasted  through  life. 

Of  his  ancestors  nothing  is  known.  They  were 
doubtless  of  that  sturdy  middle  class  that  forms  the 
substantial  basis  of  every  nation.  This  is  consistent 
with  Kapp's  statement  that  Sower  "  learned  the  man- 
ufacture of  spectacles  in  his  native  city."  In  early 
life  he  learned  at  least  one  other  trade,  that  of  tailor- 
ing. It  was  upon  this  that  he  depended  for  support 
when  he  first  came  to  America. 

His  boyhood  home  surrounded  him  with  good  in- 
fluences. If  "  the  child  is  father  of  the  man,"  he  was 
early  instructed  in  the  principles  of  right  and  taught 
to  respect  God's  Word — probably  at  a  pious  mother's 
knee. 

His  education  was  by  no  means  neglected.  But 
where  he  studied  or  to  what  extent  we  know  nothing. 
It  is  natural  to  think  of  him  as  attending  the  schools 
of  his  native  town,  and  taking  rank  with  the  best 

183 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

scholars.  At  all  events  he  acquired  a  real  thirst  for 
knowledge,  which  made  him  a  student  all  his  days. 

At  the  age  of  thirty-one  he  came  to  America,  a 
married  man,  with  wife,  and  child  three  years  old. 
The  little  family  settled  in  Germantown.  This  was 
in  1724.  A  year  and  a  half  later  found  them  in  Lan- 
caster county,  in  possession  of  a  farm  on  Mill  Creek. 
Here  they  came  in  contact  with  Beissel  and  the  Sab- 
batarians, and  Sower's  life  was  saddened  by  the  de- 
fection of  his  wife  who,  under  the  influence  of  their 
mystical  teaching,  left  her  husband  and  child  to  lead 
a  life  of  seclusion.  Years  later  she  returned  to  her 
home  and  was  fully  reconciled  to  her  husband  and 
assumed  her  position  in  the  home  as  wife  and  mother. 

Saddened  by  the  action  of  his  wife,  Sower  returned 
to  Germantown  in  1731.  Here  he  placed  his  son,  now 
a  boy  of  ten  years,  in  school,  and  he  himself  plied 
several  of  those  trades  for  which  he  was  later  cele- 
brated. He  was  in  turn  optician,  clockmaker, 
apothecary,  skilled  mechanic — or  rather,  it  may  be, 
several  or  all  of  these  at  the  same  time. 

In  1738  he  began  the  printing  business  and  hence- 
forth to  the  end  of  his  life,  twenty  years  later,  he  was 
a  leading  figure  in  the  public  life  of  Pennsylvania. 
The  enterprise  he  established  was  an  honor,  not  only 
to  himself,  but  to  the  land  of  his  adoption  and  the 
church  of  his  choice.  For  high  principle,  undaunted 
perseverance  and  disinterested  service,  the  record  of 
these  twenty  years  is  almost  without  a  parallel  in  the 
public  life  of  our  countrv'. 

In  some  respects  the  first  Christopher  Sower  is  the 
184 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


most  striking  figure  in  the  early  history  of  the 
Bretlircn  church.  It  was  he  who  liad  the  courage  to 
underlake  tlie  seemingly  iinpossiblc,  and  yet  by  in- 
domitable energy  and  pluck  carry  it  to  a  successful 
issue.  He  it  was  who  made  a  church  literature  pos- 
sible witliin  the  first  half  century  of  the  church's 
history.  To  the  establishment  of  his  printing-press, 
and  to  his  encouragement  and  fostering  care  of  the 
literary  resources  of  the  church  we  owe,  in  large 
measure,  the  first  period  of  our  literary  history. 

The  educational  influence  he  exerted  upon  his 
generation  was  very  marked.  His  newspaper,  al- 
manac, and  other  publications  became  real  dispensers 
of  intelligence  to  the  German  population  of  the  New 
World.  As  we  have  seen,  his  influence  among  them 
was  very  great.  Hence  the  interest  he  took  in  in- 
structing them  and  directing  their  attention  to  the 
things  pertaining  to  their  highest  good,  was  met  by  a 
hearty  response  in  action  and  appreciation  on  their 
part. 

By  creating  the  German  newspaper  he  called  into 
existence  an  instrument  that  he  wielded  with  remark- 
able power  and  success  for  twenty  years.  Not  only 
was  this  a  disseminator  of  knowledge  and  culture,  but 
it  had  the  effect  of  cultivating  a  taste  for  reading  on 
the  part  of  the  masses,  and  bringing  about  a  condition 
in  which  the  cultivation  of  literature  as  such,  became, 
to  some  extent,  possible. 

To  his  newspaper  and  almanac  he  gave  some  of  the 
best  efforts  of  his  life.  No  task  was  small  to  him.  As 
collector  of  news  for  his  paper,  he  was  guided  bv  a 

185 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


conscientious  consideration  of  what  was  best  for  his 
readers.  He  strove  to  make  his  almanac  a  store  of 
useful  information  and  wise  counsel.  Journalism,  in 
his  view,  carried  with  it  weighty  responsibilities. 
Power  to  direct  public  opinion  was  a  power  not  be 
carelessly  used  or  abused,  but  to  be  exercised  as  a 
trust,  involving  high  moral  obligations. 

The  constant  practice  of  writing  incident  to  his 
printing  business,  and  especially  in  connection  with 
his  periodicals,  developed  for  Sower  an  easy  and 
graceful  style.  He  wrote  without  apparent  ef¥ort, 
and  seemingly  from  an  abundant  store  of  information. 
His  natural  resources  were  great,  and  his  constant 
intercourse  with  cultured  men,  as  well  as  his  study  of 
the  important  questions  of  the  day,  kept  his  store  well 
replenished. 

He  wrote  or  spoke  on  most  of  the  public  issues  of 
the  day,  and  generally  with  telling  ef¥ect.  He  wielded 
the  editorial  pen  with  positive  power,  and  many  a 
public  evil  or  private  vice  was  checked  by  his  timely 
correction  and  its  advocates  put  to  confusion  by  the 
stinging  blows  of  his  well-directed  criticism. 
-  In  1739  Sower  printed  the  Weyrauchs-Hiigel,  as 
we  have  seen.  In  the  course  of  the  work  a  difference 
arose  between  the  publisher  and  Conrad  Beissel,  the 
leader  of  the  Brotherhood,  in  regard  to  some  of  the 
hymns.  The  difference  led  to  a  protracted  cor- 
respondence which  was  carried  on  with  vigor  and 
point  on  both  sides.  After  the  matter  had  been 
adjusted,  although  a  complete  reconciliation  was  not 
effected  until  several  years  later,  Sower  published  Ein 

186 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 

ahgendthigtcr  Bcriclit:  odcr  zum  off  tern  bcgehrte  Ant- 
7i'ort  dcnen  daniach  fragcndcn  dargclcgt;  In  sich 
haltendc:  Z'i.i<cy  Bricffc  und  dcrrcn  Ursach.  (An 
elicited  statement,  or  an  oft-desired  answer  given  to 
those  making  inquiry;  containing  two  Letters  and  the 
Causes  that  jiroduced  them.) 

Following  is  one  of  the  two  letters  translated  by 
Hon.  Samuel  W.  Pennypacker  of  Philadelphia,  who 
owns  the  only  copy  of  this  rare  work  now  known  to 
exist.  This  excellent  translation  was  printed  some 
years  ago  in  the  Pennsylvania  Magazine,  vol.  12,  but 
it  is  not  generally  accessible  to  readers.  It  is  through 
the  kind  permission  of  Judge  Pennypacker  that  it  is 
here  reproduced.  Its  rarity,  together  with  the  excel- 
lence of  the  translation,  and  the  interesting  circum- 
stance that  gave  rise  to  the  letter,  all  conspire  to  give 
it  a  unique  and  commanding  interest. 

Christopher  Sower  to  Conrad  Beissel. 

I  have  until  within  the  last  few  days  been  in  hopes 
that  that  work  which  I  did,  and  caused  to  be  done, 
upon  the  h}  mn-book  would  redound  to  the  honor  of 
God,  to  whom  I  am  under  the  greatest  obligations  for 
all  that  he  has  done  for  me  and  all  creatures,  and  will 
still  do  through  time  and  eternity,  and  I  remain  bound 
to  him  even  though  I  shall  see  no  good  day  more.  It 
is  his  way  that  when  we  dismiss  all  which  is  not  from 
him  he  fills  us  with  that  which  more  concerns  him. 
The  result  is  that  we  love  all  that  is  from  him,  and 
have  a  hatred  and  horror  of  all  that  does  not  please 
him.  In  the  beginning  much  remains  concealed, 
while  we  are  in  the  shoes  of  children  as  the  saying  is, 
which  in  years  of  youth  and  manhood  become  as  clear 

187 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


as  day.  I  have  therefore  with  patience  overlooked 
some  h\mns,  whicli  I  had  rather  sacrificed  to  Vulcan 
by  throwing'  them  into  the  fire.  I  thought  something 
might  be  given  to  the  first  alphabet  scholars  as  it  were 
according  to  their  ability  and  which  they  could  grasp 
and  that  it  would  not  be  wise  to  break  down  the  first 
rounds  of  the  ladder.  I  have  willingly  let  go  what 
the  amateur  poet  through  vanity  and  sentiment  has 
brought  together,  especially  since  Brother  Peter  INIil- 
ler  said  to  me :  "  The  worst  soldiers  are  always  put 
in  the  front  rank."  Taking  this  view  of  it  I  had  noth- 
ing more  to  say.  Afterwards  so  much  of  wood, 
straw,  stubble  and  trash  came  that  it  went  pretty  hard 
with  me.  It  was  ver\'  deeply  impressed  upon  me  that 
each  work  should  be  a  birth  to  appear  in  eternity,  not 
in  the  lightness  of  the  mercurial  pictures  drawn  by 
men,  but  to  stand  in  the  clean  way.  However  I  re- 
mained in  hope  that  something  better  would  come  in 
the  future.  A  still  greater  mercy  befell  me,  to  wit: 
In  the  beginning  of  the  16th  Rubric  or  division  there 
was  placed  a  silly  h}'mn  which,  on  first  reading 
through  it,  I  considered  to  be  among  the  stupid 
amateur  poetry  and  I  wished  that  something  better 
could  be  put  in  its  place.    In  the  29th  verse  it  runs : 

"  Dcr  dock  trcigct  deinc  Last 
Und  dabci  hat  ivcnig  Rast." 

There  I  stopped  and  read  the  remainder  over  again, 
but  while  I  was  attending  to  some  other  business,  it 
was  printed.  I  was  not  at  ease  about  it.  I  regarded 
it  as  among  those  great  errors  of  which  today  the 
world  is  full  and  wished  that  it  might  still  remain 
among  those  rejected.  I  thought  if  it  should  come, 
either  here  or  in  Germany  or  anywhere  else,  before 
the  eyes  of  an  enlightened  spirit  who  has  found  and 
delights  in  God  and  his  Savior  as  the  true  rest,  he 
might  be  deceived  by  such  miserable  stuff  after  such 

188 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


a  magnificently  brilliant  title-page  and  I  should  be 
ashamed  because  of  my  negligence.  I  might  perhaps 
be  able  to  find  excuses  that  would  answer  before  men, 
but  in  my  breast  would  burn  a  fire  that  would  be 
(luenched  by  no  excuses.  I  thereupon  asked  Hrother 
Samuel  whether  he  did  not  think  a  great  mistake  had 
there  occurred  in  writing,  since  unskillful  poets  are 
often  compelled  for  the  sake  of  their  rhyme  to  use 
words  which  destroy  the  sense.  He  said  to  me,  "  No, 
I  shall  let  it  stand  just  as  it  is."  I  consented  to  do  it 
then  because  it  suddenly  occurred  to  me,  that  in  the 
pine  forests  the  industrious  ant  gathers  together 
straw,  wood,  earth,  shells,  and  resin,  from  the  pines 
which  they  carry  underneath  into  the  hill  and  that 
this  is  called  "  JVciliraitch."  This  pacified  mc  to  some 
extent  because  it  accorded  with  the  title.  Still  I  could 
not  reconcile  the  word  "  Zionitisch"  with  it,  because 
upon  Mount  Zion  no  such  collection  can  be  found  as 
I  have  described.  There  God  is  praised  in  silence. 
There  are  there  only  two  hymns.  The  one  is  the 
song  of  Moses  running,  briefly,  like  this,  "  Lord,  thou 
and  no  other  hast  delivered  us  from  all  of  our  enemies 
and  dost  protect  us  and  lead  us  through  outer  dan- 
ger." Exodus,  15th.  There  is  no  quarreling  more, 
no  time,  no  change  of  day  and  night.  It  therefore 
occurred  to  me  that  you  must  have  a  wonderful  idea 
of  Zion  since  you  could  fix  its  nature  but  know  noth- 
ing of  and  have  not  experienced  real  and  actual  death. 
The  second  song  is  short.  It  is  the  song  of  the  Lamb 
which  is  strangled.  It  runs  thus:  "All  is  fulfilled. 
There  is  nothing  more  to  do.  Now  praise  we  our 
God  in  silence." 

But  you  said  in  the  meeting  when  I  was  there  that 
every  verse  was  suitable  for  Mount  Zion.  That  is 
easily  said  if  a  rnan  has  a  well  smoothed  tongue.  You 
will  find  out  otherwise  however.  Meanwhile  I  re- 
gretted my  lost  time  over  the  books  and  that  my  hope 

189 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


which  had  something  honorable  for  its  object  should 
have  so  entirely  failed.  I  spoke  with  Brother  SamueU 
once  more  about  it  in  what  way  it  was  to  be  under- 
stood. He  answered  me  that  I  should  not  blame  them 
for  being  Catholic,  which  I  from  my  heart  wished  to 
be  true  since  in  the  Community  of  Christ  there  are  no 
others.  For  instance  we  believe  in  the  mediation  of 
holy  ones  and  truly  of  those  who  are  afterward  in 
life.  This  caused  me  no  scruple  because  it  is  my  daily 
exercise  notwithstanding  I  am  still  not  holy.  What 
then  will  the  holy  do  ?  But  when  he  asked  me  whether 
I  believed  only  in  the  one  Christ  I  would  have  been 
shocked  into  a  cold  fever  if  true  quiet  had  not  pre- 
vented. I  then  read  the  whole  hymn  over  again  once 
more  and  saw  the  man  who  was  intended  and  it  gave 
great  sorrow.  But  I  remembered  how  far  the  human 
race  depart  from  God  and  that  man  is  inclined  to 
idolatry  and  easily  moved  to  make  images  and  to 
honor  himself  while  the  tendency  to  depart  from  the 
true  way  (found  only  in  the  ground  of  the  spirit  and 
in  the  abandonment  of  all  creature  things)  is  born  in 
him.  He  is  therefore  easily  led  to  act  with  sects,  par- 
ties, and  like  divisions,  and  one  believes  and  receives 
from  another  that  which  is  pleasant  without  real  ex- 
perience of  what  will  be  the  outcome.  It  may  be 
therefore  that  it  ought  not  to  be  taken  amiss  in  the 
writer  of  the  hymn,  since  as  the  eyes  are  so  do  they 
see.  Still  I  have  no  real  peace  about  this  affair.  I 
determined  then  to  write  to  you  and  ask  }  ou  whether 
you  had  not  seen  or  read  this  piece  or  had  not  con- 
sidered what  a  dreadful  production  it  is ;  to  say  that 
without  serious  difficulty  it  can  still  be  taken  out  and 
in  its  place  something  to  the  honor  of  God,  or  for  the 
good  of  weak  souls,  can  be  put  in  where  the  two  pages 
are  cut  out  which  I  will  do  at  my  own  expense ;  and 
to  ask  you  whether  on  the  other  hand  it  was  done 


'  Samuel  EcUerling. 

190 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


according  to  your  wish  and  inclination.  If  so,  I  would 
remind  you  tliat  the  good  Moses  could  not  go  into 
Canaan  because  he  honored  not  the  Lord  when  he 
said  "must  we  fetcli  you  water?"  See  what  an  af- 
flicted burden-bearer  and  once  true  knight  Moses  was 
and  where  is  such  a  Moses?  Herod  may  well  have 
made  such  an  unusually  good  address  to  the  people 
that  it  caused  them  to  say,  "  That  is  the  voice  of  God 
and  not  of  man."  The  angel  struck  not  the  unwitting 
people  because  they  were  inclined  to  idolatry  but  him 
who  accepted  the  Godly  honor.  Already  you  suffer 
yourself  to  be  called  "  Father."^  Oh,  would  there 
were  a  single  one  who  comprehended  Christ  and 
respected  and  carried  out  the  commands  of  him  who 
absolutely  forbid  that  you  let  any  one  call  you  master 
and  should  call  any  man  "  Father  "  upon  this  earth ! 
The  misery  is  already  great  enough,  as  you  yourself 
said  to  me  significantly.  You  are  the  greatest  God 
in  the  community.  \\'hen  you  sat  still  everything  fell 
back.  You  had  once  for  some  time  given  up  the  meet- 
mg-  and  everything  fell  away.  Your  dearest  brethren 
hastened  to  the  world.  Even  Brother  N.*  had  made 
a  wagon  in  which  to  ride  to  the  city.  There  were 
other  instances  which  you  told  me.  And  did  you  not 
the  other  day  in  the  meeting  significantly  and  at  great 
length  speak  of  this  idolatry  and  how  they  went 
whoring  after  you  as  is  indeed  the  case.  And  now 
will  they  with  full  throats  call  and  sing: 

"  Sehet,  sehet,  sehet  an! 
Sehet,  sehet  an  den  tnann! 
Der  von  Gott  erhdet  ist 
Der  ist  unser  Herr  und  Christ." 


'  Beissel's  cloister  name  was  Father  Friedsam. 
'In  February,  1732,  but  was  later  prevailed  upon  to  return 
and  take  charge  again. 

'  Supposed  to  be  Jacob  Gass. 


191 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

If  Brother  Samuel  had  not  said  to  me  concerning 
it  that  the  h\  mn  had  a  double  meaning  and  one  might 
take  it  as  he  chose,  I  should  have  considered  the  last 
as  referring  to  Christ  and  looked  upon  the  "  God 
without  rest  "  as  a  compulsion  of  the  verse.  Are  there 
not  already  molten  calves  enough?  Is  not  the  door 
of  Babel  great  enough  that  they  should  build  another 
little  door  through  which  they  call  loudly,  "  See  here 
is  Christ  "  in  order  to  entice  souls  to  themselves  ?  Do 
not  misunderstand  me.  I  value  highly  the  favor  of 
returning  to  you.  But  I  fear  God  will  play  his  own 
part  in  it  and  leave  the  beautiful  vessel  empty  lest 
otherwise  upright  souls  might  suffer  an  injur}'  which 
certainly  would  cause  no  single  child  of  God  pleasure. 
IMuch  more  were  it  to  be  wished  from  the  innermost 
heart  that  all  the  might  of  the  stars  were  entirely  lost 
and  that  Christ  were  indeed  the  ruler  in  you  and  the 
whole  community.  This  would  give  me  great  joy  to 
look  upon  through  my  whole  life  long.  There  is 
nothing  more  to  say  except  that,  with  the  permission 
of  Brother  Michael,  I  should  like,  if  I  might,  to  take 
out  this  one  hymn  and  put  another  in  its  place  be- 
cause it  concerns  the  honor  of  God.  It  is  easy  to  see 
that  I  have  no  earthly  concern  in  it  and  that  the  in- 
fluence of  no  man's  interest  has  anything  to  do  with 
it.  There  are  still  as  many  as  a  hundred  hymns  with 
which  you  can  feed  the  senses  that  they  die  not.  I 
am  sure  that  a  thousand  pounds  would  not  persuade 
me  to  print  such  a  one,  for  the  reason  that  it  leads  the 
easy  way  to  idolatry.  If  it  were  my  paper  it  would 
have  been  already  burned.  But  my  suggestion  was 
met  by  the  brethren  only  with  scornful  and  mocking 
words,  and  at  last  they  said,  "  Now  we  will  pack  up 
the  paper."  I  thought  "  they  still  have  better  right  to 
it  than  the  Hussars."  With  such  disposition  of  the 
matter  for  my  own  part  I  can  be  at  peace.    God  will 

192 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


fiiul  a  way  lo  protect  his  honor.  As  to  the  rest,  I  love 
tl'^'^'  ^^I'll-  Christoph  Satir. 

About  the  middle  of  the  18th  century  some  poli- 
ticians of  Pennsylvania  became  alarmed,  or  professed 
to  become  alarmed,  at  the  rapid  increase  of  the  Ger- 
man population  of  the  province.  They  seemed  to  fear 
tliat  the  Germans  would  eventually  become  the  dom- 
inatiny  power  in  the  (government  and  would  arrogate 
the  reins  of  authority  to  themselves.  They  were  ac- 
cused of  a  want  of  loyalty,  and  slanderous  reports 
charged  them  with  being  on  the  point  of  forming  an 
alliance  with  the  Indians. 

Under  the  shelter  of  such  rumors  an  effort  was 
made  to  bring  about  legislative  enactment  that 
should  curtail  the  free  suffrage  of  the  Germans. 
Sower  called  attention  several  times  in  his  different 
publications  to  the  "wire-pulling"  tactics  that  were 
being  employed  towards  the  Germans,  and  warned  the 
latter  to  be  on  their  guard.  He  at  the  same  time 
showed  how  untrue  the  circulated  reports  had  been, 
and  called  attention  to  the  quiet  and  peaceable  dis- 
position of  the  Germans  as  a  people. 

This  did  not,  how^cver.  stop  the  machinations  of  his 
political  adversaries,  and  in  1755  Sower  wrote  and 
published  a  little  tract  entitled :  Eiue  cii  dieser  Zeit 
hochst  iiothlge  JFarnuug  unci  Erinnerung  an  die  freye 
Ein-ivohuer  der  Proving  Pensylvanien  von  Einem, 
dciu  die  IVohlfahrt  des  Landes  angelegen  und  darauf 
bcdacht  ist.  (A  Warning  and  Remonstrance  of  the 
greatest  Necessity  at  this  Time  to  the  free  Inhabitants 

193 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


of  the  Province  of  Pennsylvania  by  one  to  whom  the 
Welfare  of  this  Country  is  important  and  therefore 
considered.) 

Friends,  Brethren  and  Fellow  Countrymen:^ 

I  have  long  been  a  sad  and  anxious  observer  of  the 
public  undertakings  here  in  the  land,  and  have  noticed 
with  astonishment  the  constant  accumulation  of  auto- 
cratic power  and  the  open  assaults  that  have  been 
made  against  our  well-established  rights.  I  have  also 
noted  the  audacity  and  shamelessness  with  which  the 
sons  or  minions  of  this  disgusting  superiority  have 
made  their  slavish  doctrine  known  to  the  world.  .  .  . 

It  is  indeed  a  very  important  matter  that  we  know 
our  enemies  rightly  and  are  able  to  tell  who  are  such. 
They  are  readily  recognized  by  their  practices,  by  their 
theories  and  their  association  together.  If  you  know  a 
party  of  people,  who  surpass  all  others  in  the  art  of 
lying,  you  may  undoubtedly  place  them  in  the  ranks 
of  these  our  enemies.  For  if  they  invent  a  falsehood 
in  the  morning  and  bravely  defend  it  during  the  day, 
in  the  afternoon  they  will  repeat  it  as  truth,  and  will 
finally  come  to  believe  it  themselves  as  a  precious 
truth  and  will  swear  by  it.  Certainly  very  little  ac- 
count is  to  be  taken  of  what  they  say  or  what  they 
do,  what  they  sanction  or  what  they  repeat,  since  one 
has  as  much  truth  in  it  as  the  other.  There  is  no  lie 
ever  so  impudent  and  foolish,  or  story  ever  so  ridicu- 
lous, but  these  people,  for  the  sake  of  their  own  tem- 
porary exaltation,  will  quickly  publish  it  among  their 
hangers-on,  with  the  greatest  assurance  that  it  is 
true.  In  short,  they  have  lost  all  credit,  confidence 
and  reputation  among  the  fair-minded  element  of  the 
country  people. 


'  From  a  copy  in  the  library  of  tiie  Historical  Society  of 
Pennsylvania. 


194 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Their  tlicorics  arc  so  faiitaslic  and  absuril  in  a  free 
govcriinuMit,  tliat  to  si)cak  hriclly  they  arc  sini[)Iy  dis- 
Rustini;.  Thr  fine  things  in  llu-ir  books  arc  scattered 
hither  and  thither  nntil  their  resources  in  disseniinat- 
inj;"  them  are  exiiausted.  l''or  this  reason,  I  tiiou<;iit  it 
necessary  to  colk-et  tliesc  and  set  them  before  your 
eyes,  so  that  the  impartial  people  will  not  need  to  trust 
simply  to  my  word,  but  that  they  may  read  and  under- 
stand it  for  themselves,  and  that  the  lovers  of  freedom 
and  universal  power  may  be  able  to  decide  whether 
these  people  can  in  any  wise  be  re.cfarded  as  friends 
and  protectors  of  the  country  and  of  the  principles  of 
riq;ht ;  also  wdiether  they  do  not  make  themselves  liars 
when  they  apply  to  themselves  such  excellent  titles 
as  Keeper,  Guanlian,  Protector  of  our  freedom,  be- 
cause they  manifestly  show  that  they  are  traitors  to 
this  country,  who  desire  to  overthrow  and  pervert  the 
honored  rights  and  principles  of  this  province. 
Shameless  enough  are  they  to  apply  abusive  nick- 
names frequently  to  those  who  seek  to  support  free- 
dom and  the  advantages  of  the  country,  and  desire 
nothing  else  than  the  true  w-elfare  and  happiness  of 
this  province. 

First,  we  see  this  from  their  letters  which  they  have 
written  to  England  under  the  title,  State  Letters,  or 
Brief  Compend  of  the  Condition  of  the  Province  of 
Pennsylvania,  wdiich  contains  one  of  their  leading 
doctrines.  There  they  wrote,  "  The  newly-acquired 
lands  thrive  best  under  a  government  that  is  adminis- 
tered as  the  people  generally  would  like  to  have  it." 
Therefore,  the  mass  of  the  people  should  first  be  given 
this  desirable  freedom,  and  no  burdens  should  be  laid 
upon  them,  so  that  they  will  become  industrious 
and  will  settle  in  such  lands.  "  But  as  soon  as  the 
country  people  become  rich,  and  fairly  get  to  becom- 
ing weakhy,"  and  have  reached  the  proper  goal  for 
the  public  welfare,  "  Then  it  should  be  considered  how 


195 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


a  restraint  can  be  put  upon  them  to  hold  them  back, 
and  to  take  enough  from  them  that  their  power  may 
not  become  too  great."  In  other  words,  this  is  to  say 
that  it  was  right  and  just  that  the  Crown  and  our  first 
Proprietor  promised  freedom  and  privileges  to  the 
first  settlers  in  this  province,  and  gave  it  to  them  in 
writing,  in  their  separate  characters,  in  order  to  in- 
duce our  ancestors  to  exchange  the  blessings  of  their 
fatherland  for  the  misery  and  terror  of  a  far  distant 
wilderness.  And  if  they  have  also  paid  dearly  for 
this  their  liberty,  as  an  inheritance  for  themselves  and 
their  posterity,  and  these  their  descendants  have  also 
acquired  something  for  themselves  and  have  now  be- 
come numerous,  it  is  therefore  now  high  time  that  we 
take  away  their  freedom  again,  which  they  have  paid 
for  so  dearly,  in  a  manner  which  is  called  "  Checks  to 
the  Power  of  the  People."  That  is,  we  must  put  a 
restraint  upon  the  people  and  take  away  from  the 
power  which  they  have.  By  this  means  the  subject 
will  be  made  disloyal,  so  that  they  will  disregard  their 
allegiance  which  they  have  sworn  to  the  king,  and 
their  promises  will  not  be  regarded  hereafter  because 
those  are  not  kept  that  had  been  promised  to  them. 

Secondly,  the  patrons  of  our  liberty,  as  they  call 
themselves,  have  another  crafty  design,  namely,  that 
the  Germans  shall  hereafter  no  longer  have  the  liberty 
to  vote  in  the  elections  for  the  Assembly,  (who,  how- 
ever, according  to  their  own  statement,  make  up  half 
the  population  of  the  country)  until  they  have  ac- 
quired sufficient  understanding  of  our  condition ;  that 
is,  until  they  learn  to  become  so  pliant  that  they  allow 
themselves  to  be  directed,  bent  and  led,  just  as  their 
leaders  desire ;  until  they  think  like  they  think,  and  do 
as  they  are  haughtily  commanded  to  do,  no  matter 
about  their  welfare  or  their  desires,  or  how  important 
their  possessions  may  be,  or  however  securely  their 
loyal  purpose  and  allegiance  may  be  bound  to  the  true 

196 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


interests  of  the  couiitrv.  In  this  way  half  of  the  in- 
habitants will  he  forccnl  to  hind  tlK-msclvcs  toj^cthcr 
by  laws  against  their  goveriiineiil  and  aj^ainst  the 
basis  and  quality  of  the  kind  of  freedom  that  is  dis- 
pensed by  this  English  arrangement,  hut  it  will  be 
against  their  desire  that  they  liave  to  take  any  part 
ui  this,  either  .willingly  or  unwillingly.  These  guar- 
dians of  our  liberty  say,  "  It  is  absurd  and  inconceiva- 
ble to  observe  that  a  horde  of  ignorant,  proud,  head- 
strong, boorish  German  peasants  should  have  the  right 
and  permission  to  cast  their  votes  at  an  election  for 
assemblymen,"  as  it  is  stated  in  their  writings  called 
State  Letters,  page  40. 

Thirdly,  they  have  this  design,  that  they  will  do 
away  w'ith  the  laudable  cu.stom  which  has  existed  up 
to  this  time,  namely,  that  one  can  and  is  permitted  to 
cast  his  folded  ballot  for  assemblymen,  sheriff,  cor- 
oner and  assessor,  which  right  is  one  of  the  most  ex- 
cellent and  essential  marks  of  freedom.  Instead  of 
this  a  poor  honest  man  is  now  to  be  required  to  cast 
his  vote  (if  he  has  one)  publicly  and  orally,  which  is 
against  his  mind  and  conscience,  because  he  knows 
that  it  is  contrary  to  the  best  interests  of  the  country. 
By  their  self-will  they  have  assumed  the  power  to 
rule  the  elections,  and  to  punish  and  oppress  those  who 
attempt  to  vote  in  the  election  contrary  to  their  arbi- 
trary arrangements. 

Fourthly,  they  propose  that  the  sheriff  and  the  cor- 
oner, upon  the  faithful  discharge  of  whose  offices  very 
much  depends,  shall  no  longer  be  elected  by  the  people 
of  the  country,  unless  they  themselves  have  nominated 
them.  By  this  means  a  partisan  or  packed  jury  can 
always  be  brought  together,  from  such  as  depend  upon 
them,  so  that  they  can  always  destroy  the  liberty  of 
their  subjects  whenever  they  wish. 

Fifthly,  they  desire  to  give  to  the  Governor  power 
that  he  can  continue  the  Assembly  as  long  as  it  pleases 

197 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


him,  and  may  also  dissolve  them  at  pleasure ;  so  that 
if  they  do  not  act  according  to  his  will,  he  can  make 
them  sit  at  the  wrong  time  until  they  become  tired ; 
so  that  they  finally  will  have  to  consent  to  what  he 
wishes,  or  to  what  pleases  the  Proprietor,  as  may  be 
read  in  their  State  Letters  on  the  71st  page. 

Sixthly,  that  your  assemblymen  shall  not  have  the 
right  to  hear  the  complaints  of  the  people  and  to  re- 
lieve their  burdens,  no  matter  how  terribly  and  bar- 
barously they  may  be  oppressed.  Yes,  they  are  not 
even  to  have  the  power  to  punish  the  most  insolent  en- 
croachment upon  their  own  and  the  people's  rights. 

Seventhly,  that  a  general  law  be  passed  establishing 
a  militia  force,  the  officers  of  which  the  Governor 
alone  shall  appoint,  which  provision  they  regard  as 
being  absolutely  necessary.  This  is  not  to  protect  the 
province  against  the  invasion  of  a  foreign  enemy, 
as  becomes  clear  when  we  consider  the  behavior  of  the 
regular  troops ;  but  it  is  that  your  rights  and  priv- 
ileges shall  be  given  up  and  transferred  into  the  hands 
of  your  domestic  enemies,  and  you  be  made  subject  to 
the  designs  of  ambitious  people,  who  desire  to  make  a 
large  number  of  new  relations,  new  hangers-on,  and 
subordinates  in  the  government,  who  will  be  entirely 
subject  to  their  will  and  influence,  as  may  be  read  in 
State  Letters,  16th  page. 

The  agents  of  tyranny  have  now  become  too  mad 
and  foolish  to  acknowledge  and  establish  these  prin- 
ciples and  maxims  which  they  have  in  view,  along 
with  many  others  which  are  too  disagreeable  to  re- 
late or  to  bring  forward  publicly  either  in  their  writ- 
ings or  in  their  daily  discourses  

Liberty,  my  worthy  countrymen,  is  our  natural 
right.  A  right  which,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  the  God  of 
nature  and  virtue  ofifers  you,  and  will  also  support 
you  that  you  may  be  able  to  secure  and  retain  it. 
Your  rulers  have  received  power  to  protect  you  and 

198 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


not  to  oppress  you.  Your  government  is  so  arranged, 
that  half  of  the  privilege  of  making  ordinances  and 
laws  has  fallen  to  you.  And  you  have  hy  nature  and  hy 
the  fundamental  law  of  pr()i)rietorshii)  the  entire  con- 
trol of  your  purses  and  whatever  else  you  possess. 
You  alone  are  the  great  counterpoise  and  have  the 
lH)wer  to  persuade  the  other  part  of  the  government 
and  to  cause  that  it  remain  in  its  proper  bounds.  If 
it  transcends  its  proper  limits,  it  is  your  fault,  and  you 
are  the  ones,  who  can  command  your  assemblymen 
(as  is  your  duty  and  privilege)  to  bring  the  agents 

of  oppression  to  account  and  i)unish  them  

I-'inally,  whether  you  be  English,  German.  Dutch 
or  Swedish,  whether  you  be  Episcopal,  Presbyterian, 
Quaker  or  of  any  other  religious  denomination,  you 
are  by  virtue  of  your  living  here  and  by  the  laws  of  the 
land  free  people  and  not  slaves.  You  have  the  right  to 
all  the  liberty  of  a  person  of  English  birth,  and  you 
have  your  portion  in  the  fundamental  laws  of  the  land. 
You  are  men,  men  of  intelligence ;  let  me  once  more 
exhort  you  that  you  will  need  all  of  your  good  under- 
standing to  arouse  yourselves  and  maintain  your  lib- 
erty. It  all  lies  with  you ;  you  are  able  to  protect 
yourselves  against  this  present  public  calamity ;  you 
are  the  source  whence  the  improvement  of  the  present 
condition  is  to  be  hoped  for  and  expected.  Further- 
more, we  dare  not  expect  the  maintenance  of  our 
rights  and  liberty  from  such  people,  who  hold  their 
offices,  their  reputations,  their  power,  their  success 
and  their  wealth  from  those  very  ones  who  are  mak- 
ing every  effort  to  destroy  these  rights  and  liberties. 
For  the  people  of  this  stripe  would  much  rather  see 
your  liberties  fall  to  the  ground  and  would  gladly 
be  the  instruments  by  which  your  rights  are  entirely 
destroyed. 


199 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

Peter  Becker. 

Among  the  great  leaders  of  the  Brethren  in  Europe 
and  America  in  the  early  days  of  the  church  no  one 
is  more  distinctive  in  some  respects  than  Peter  Becker 
(Baker).  He  was  a  singularly  sweet-spirited  man, 
and  although  not  specially  aggressive  as  a  leader,  he 
was  a  wise  counselor  and  saw  clearly  through  the 
fog  of  mysticism  that  beclouded  the  minds  of  so  many 
men  of  his  generation. 

He  was  a  native  of  Dillsheim,  and  early  came  under 
the  influence  of  the  "  awakened."  Indeed  the  centres 
of  religious  influence  seemed  to  have  a  charm  for 
him.  In  1714  he  accepted  immersion  at  the  hands  of 
the  Brethren  and  became  a  member  of  the  Creyfelt 
congregation.  He  was  then  twenty-seven  years  of 
age.  A  little  later  he  was  elected  to  the  ministry.  In 
this  capacity  he  was  associated  with  Elder  John  Naas, 
Elder  Christian  Libe,  Stephen  Koch  and  others. 

Of  the  terrible  persecutions  waged  against  the 
Brethren  in  these  early  days  I  have  already  written. 
Upon  the  sensitive  nature  of  Peter  Becker  they 
seemed  to  fall  with  unusual  force.  After  some  five 
years  of  almost  untold  suffering  in  mind,  body  and 
spirit,  he  organized  a  small  body  of  members  and 
sailed  for  America.  This  was  in  1719.  So  it  was  to 
his  leadership  that  we  owe  the  transplanting  of  the  first 
colony  of  Bunkers  from  Germany  to  the  new  world. 

It  is  said  that  the  party  consisted  of  twenty  families, 
and  the  voyage  is  said  to  have  been  stormy  and 
fraught  with  hardships,  which  may  well  be  true.  The 
party  landed  at  Germantown,  attracted  thither  doubt- 

200 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


less  by  former  settlers  from  llie  I'atlierland,  and  l)y 
the  mild  government  of  the  peaee-loving  Penn. 

By  trade  Becker  was  a  master  weaver.  To  this 
trade  he  apphed  himself  on  his  arrival  to  this  country. 
In  course  of  time  he  accjuired  a  ])iece  of  land — 
twenty-three  acres — in  Germantown.  The  cultivation 
of  this  and  the  management  of  his  looms  are  the  secu- 
lar pursuits  to  which  he  gave  his  attention. 

Although  he  was  the  organizer  and  the  acknowl- 
edged leader  of  the  little  company  that  crossed  the 
ocean  with  him,  it  does  not  appear  that  he  made  any 
effort  to  organize  the  members  into  a  congregation 
until  they  had  been  here  more  than  four  years.  This 
may  seem  strange  to  us.  But  we  can  not  now  lift 
the  veil  and  see  all  of  the  influences  that  conspired  at 
that  time  to  crush  the  good  man's  heart. 

There  had  been  bitter  experiences  in  Germany ;  not 
only  persecutions  by  the  secular  and  ecclesiastical 
governments,  but  also  misunderstandings,  strifes,  ex- 
communications in  the  little  company  of  Taufers 
themselves.  The  hearts  of  many  were  saddened  and 
others  were  deterred  from  entering  the  fold.  With 
these  sad  experiences  rankling  in  their  minds  the  little 
company  found  themselves  in  a  new  and  strange 
world.  They  were  as  a  handful  of  pilgrims  among 
utter  strangers. 

What  could  they  do  in  establishing  a  new  system  of 
worship  in  a  new  and  wild  country?  Their  first  care 
was  to  provide  daily  bread  for  themselves  and  their 
families.  They  were  without  friends  or  definite  pros- 
pects.   Moreover,  their  hearts  were  crushed. 

201 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

But  this  was  not  all.  Peter  Becker  was  not  an  or- 
dained elder,  and  at  this  time  there  was  no  second 
degree  of  the  ministry.  Becker,  therefore,  had  no 
legal  right  to  organize  and  conduct  church  work,  ex- 
cept under  the  direction  of  a  superior  officer.  This 
he  did  not  have,  as  there  was  at  that  time  no  ordained 
elder  in  America. 

When  the  organization  was  at  length  effected,  he 
became  elder  by  choice  of  the  congregation.  If  this 
was  an  illegal  procedure,  it  at  least  had  the  exigencies 
of  the  circumstances  in  justification. 

From  December  the  25th,  1723,  when  the  German- 
town  church,  the  first  in  America,  was  organized,  to 
the  arrival  of  Alexander  Mack  in  September,  1729, 
Peter  Becker  was  at  the  head  of  the  church  in  this 
country.  He  upheld  faithfully  the  doctrines  and  ordi- 
nances as  they  had  been  taught  and  practiced  from 
the  beginning.  When  Elder  Mack  arrived  and  be- 
came a  member  of  the  Germantown  congregation, 
Peter  Becker  very  considerately  and  humbly  resigned 
the  leadership  to  the  great  founder,  and  placed  him- 
self at  his  disposal  to  help  in  the  work  in  any  way 
that  he  might  direct.  This  act  shows  the  beautiful 
spirit  of  the  man  probably  as  well  as  any.  He  shunned 
public  position  and  popular  applause.  After  the  death 
of  Mack,  in  1735,  to  his  death  in  1758,  circumstances 
again  brought  Becker  to  the  front  and  he  conducted 
the  affairs  of  the  little  body  of  worshipers  with  con- 
scientious care  and  fidelity. 

About  ten  years  before  his  death  he  broke  up  his 
home  in  Germantown  and  moved  out  into  what  is 

202 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


now  Montjjomcry  county,  Pennsylvania,  to  a  place  on 
tlie  Skippack  Creek,  not  far  from  1  larleysviile,  and 
made  Iiis  home  with  liis  dauj^'hter,  Mary  1  larley. 

Althougli  he  was  a  tliorouf^lily  p'ood  man,  Peter 
Becker  was  not  a  great  leader  or  a  prcat  orp^anizer. 
Neither  was  he  a  .q;reat  preacher.  Yet  his  pious,  podly 
life  was  a  jiowerful  sermon  to  all  who  knew  him.  lie 
sulTered  much  for  the  cause  of  Christ.  He  labored 
lonj:^  and  faithfully  for  his  Master.  His  influence  in 
establishing'  the  church  in  this  cotuitry  was  very  great. 

Elder  Becker  is  said  to  have  been  an  inspiration  in 
any  religious  service  he  attended,  from  the  hearty  in- 
terest he  took  in  the  service.  lie  was  somewhat 
skilled  as  a  nnisician,  and  generally  led  the  singing  at 
the  Germantown  meetings. 

His  nature  was  fervid  and  devout.  And  his  even 
temper  under  the  most  exasperating  circumstances  is 
a  matter  of  historical  record.  He  was  universally 
loved  and  esteemed. 

He  was  not  a  literary  man,  and  therefore  has  but 
slight  claim  upon  this  history.  Letters  and  an  occa- 
sional hymn  were  the  extent  of  his  literary  labors. 
One  of  the  latter  was  printed  by  Samuel  Sower  in 
Baltimore  in  1797.  It  appeared  in  an  appendix  to 
this  his  second  edition  of  Das  Kleinie  Daindische 
Psaltersptcl  dcs  Kinder  Zions,  a  very  popular  hymn- 
book  of  the  time. 

The  following  translation^  will  give  a  fair  idea  of 
its  form  and  contents. 

'  From  a  copy  in  the  library  of  tiie  German  Society  of 
Pennsylvania.  Text  kindly  furnished  by  Miss  L.  Hertzog,  the 
librarian. 

203 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


1.  Thou,  poor  pilgrim,  wander'st  here 

In  this  vale  of  gloom. 
Seeking,  longing  ever  more 

For  that  joyous  home; 
Yet  many  friends  oppose  thee  here 
So  that  now  thou  weepest  sore, — ■ 
Patience. 

2.  Go  thou  forth,  on  faith  rely. 

Be  only  undismayed; 
Cling  to  thy  God,  his  love  apply 

If  thee  the  world  upbraid; 
This  course  through  life  will  lead  thee  safe, 
Though  under  it  thy  flesh  shall  chafe, — 
Patience. 

3.  If  upon  the  narrow  way 

Thou  suffer  scoffings  here, 
Just  go  on  in  the  path  of  right, 

But  shun  the  broad  way's  snare; 
Though  men  may  look  at  thee  askance 
And  thou  must  often  grieve  perchance, — 
Patience. 

4.  Believe  me  true  the  time  will  be 

All  this  shall  pass  away; 
Contests  and  strifes  shall  finally 

Pass  from  the  mind  away 
Of  him  who  here  in  faith  contends 
And  all  his  enemies  overcomes, — 
Patience. 

5.  Truly  wonderful's  the  strife 

We  engage  in  day  by  day. 
Yet  many  perils  we  ne'er  see 

That  lie  along  our  way; 
Constant  watchfulness  we  need 
With  prayer  and  efforts  to  succeed, — 
Patience. 

204 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


6.  Lead's!  tliiiii  ilic  strife  against  tlie  llcsh 

Ami  tliiiikcst  tli<m  Iiast  won, 
Before  thou  know,  it  lnoaks  its  leash — 

Again  thou'rt  overcome. 
Therefore  watch,  entreat  and  pray 
And  at  thy  post  remain  alway, — 
Patience. 

7.  If  at  times  thy  faith  is  weak 

And  thou  art  full  of  care, 
Be  not  by  this  dismayed,  but  seek 

Thy  God's  help  everywhere. 
When  no  other  help  is  found, 
God  will  compass  thee  around, — 
Patience. 

8.  Thy  God  leads  thee  most  wondrously 

In  this  bleak  desert  wide. 
That  he  may  bring  to  light  of  day 

What  in  thy  heart  doth  hide, 
That  how  thou  maycst  understand 
Thyself  to  God  to  recommend, — 
Patience. 

9.  And  if  the  way  seem  still  so  hard 

Before  thy  thoughtful  mind. 
Look  to  thy  Savior  trust  his  word, 

And  vict'ry  thou  wilt  find. 
He  chose  the  way  of  sorrow  free 
And  died  upon  the  bloody  tree, — 
Patience. 

10.  Patient  was  the  love  of  Christ 

Throughout  his  blessed  life; 
This  in  sincerity  he  showed 

In  every  hostile  strife. 
As  patient  as  a  lamb  was  He 
That  died  upon  the  sacred  tree, — 
Patience. 


205 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

11.  In  this  mirror  thou  may'st  see 

Thyself,  thy  form,  thy  face, 
But  think  how  small  thou  still  must  be; 

Forget  thou  never  this: 
Thy  Savior's  likeness  thou  shoulds't  gain, 
And  suffer  gladly  every  pain, — 
Patience. 

12.  In  this  view  thou  comest  short, 

Thou  my  poor,  poor  soul; 
Therefore  must  thou  still  resort 

Within  this  gloomy  vale. 
Oft  dost  thou  thyself  survey 
To  find  thyself  in  sorrow's  way, — 
Patience. 

13.  And  when  thou  seem'st  deserted  quite 

And  thy  poor  heart  hast  proved. 
Then  thou  bewailest  thy  poor  plight. 

To  pain  and  anguish  moved. 
Help  in  thyself  thou  canst  not  get. 
Submit  then  gently  to  thy  lot, — 
Patience. 

14.  Ah,  precious  soul,  take  courage  new. 

All  this  shall  have  an  end; 
The  cross's  load  will  grace  renew;  , 

Soon  blissful  rest  thou'lt  find. 
The  sorrow  of  this  fleeting  time 
Is  worthy  of  the  joy  divine, — ■ 
Patience. 

Michael  Frantz. 

Michael  Frantz  was  one  of  the  strong  men  in  the 
early  days  of  the  Brethren  church.  He  was  a  native 
of  Switzerland,  having  been  born  near  the  little  city 
of  Basle  in  1687.    As  a  young  man  he  felt  some  of 

206 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


thf  religious  unrest  that  was  sweeping  over  northern 
Iun\)pe  in  tlie  early  years  of  the  eighteenth  century. 

He  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  forty,  and  settled 
in  Lancaster  county,  Pennsylvania,  not  far  from 
F.phrata.  This  was  in  September,  1727.  Here  he 
came  in  contact  with  the  r)relliren  and  was  soon  at- 
tracted to  their  doctrine  and  mode  of  worshiji.  Con- 
rad Beisscl  was  the  leader  among  them  at  this  time  in 
Lancaster  county,  and  some  of  his  mystical  utterances 
had  no  special  attraction  for  Frantz.  And  when 
Beissel  withdrew  from  the  congregation  the  next  year 
Frantz  was  disappointed  and  seemed  to  lose  interest. 

He  occasionally  went  to  hear  Beissel  preach,  how- 
ever, as  he  also  did  the  Brethren.  Finally  in  1734, 
just  seven  years  after  his  arrival  in  Pennsylvania,  he 
was  baptized  by  Elder  Peter  Becker  into  the  Dunker 
church.  The  same  day  the  Conestoga  church  was 
organized  as  a  separate  congregation,  and,  as  there 
was  no  resident  minister,  he  was  put  in  charge  as 
their  leader,  "  with  a  commission  to  exhort,"  which 
means,  that  he  was  chosen  as  minister  of  the  new  or- 
ganization (probably  only  on  trial)  on  the  same  day 
of  his  baptism.  So  w'ell  did  he  approve  himself  in 
this  capacity  that  the  next  year  he  was  ordained  to 
the  eldership  and  put  in  full  charge  of  the  congrega- 
tion. 

He  was  a  man  of  considerable  natural  power  and 
great  earnestness  of  character.  He  gave  much  of  his 
time  to  the  ministry.  Under  his  care  the  Conestoga 
church  prospered.  From  a  membership  of  about 
twenty,  when  the  congregation  was  organized,  he 

207 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

built  it  up  to  two  hundred  in  less  than  fourteen  years. 
Being  already  past  middle  life  when  he  entered  the 
church,  he  seems  to  have  been  anxious  to  do  all  he 
could  for  the  Master  while  time  and  opportunity  were 
still  allotted  to  him. 

Elder  Frantz  died  in  December,  1748.  He  was 
buried  in  an  old  graveyard  on  the  Cocalico  creek  near 
his  home,  and  near  the  place  where  he  had  done  such 
valiant  service  in  the  cause  of  Christ.  His  epitaph 
speaks  of  his  having  been  "  well  tried  by  affliction." 

He  was  a  fluent  writer,  and  in  his  busy  life  found 
time  to  write  occasional  religious  poems  and  a  few 
prose  articles.  Twenty-two  years  after  his  death 
Christopher  Sower  brought  out  a  small  volume,  con- 
taining some  of  each.    The  work  is  entitled 

Einfaltige 
Lehr-Betraehtungen, 
und  Kiirtzgefasztes, 
Glauhcns-B  ckdntinsz 
des  Gottseligen  Lebens, 
Michael  Frantzen. 

(Simple  Observations  on  Teaching  and  a  concise 
Confession  of  Faith  of  the  pious  Teacher,  Michael 
Frantz.) 

That  Elder  Frantz  was  a  very  spiritual  minded  man 
is  evidenced  by  his  address  to  the  congregation  on  the 
subject,  Of  inner  Communion  with  God.  This  is  one 
of  the  short  prose  articles  appearing  in  the  volume 
brought  out  by  Sower  in  1770. 

The  communion  of  the  faithful  is  with  the  Father 
208 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  1  John  1.  Tliis  is  the 
fellowship  of  the  Father  with  his  children,  who  have 
inherited  from  their  heavenly  leather  the  celestial 
herila.qe  and  estate,  which  they  fall  heir  to  through 
Jesns  Christ,  if  they  also  die  with  hiin.  They  return 
to  the  Father  again  everything  that  they  have  re- 
ceived from  him,  antl  retain  nolhin<^  for  themselves, 
but  are  as  those  who  have  nothing  and  still  have 
everything  within.  2  Cor.  6.  Since  the  Father  has 
given  them  everything  through  Jesus  Christ,  therefore 
they  iiave  everything  if  they  are  poor  in  spirit.  For 
all  good  gifts  come  from  above,  from  the  Father  of 
Lights,  which  they  as  his  children  of  light  received 
from  him ;  and  tlirough  the  good  gifts  from  above 
they  also  bring  to  the  Father,  through  the  Holy 
Ghost,  spiritual  fruits.  He  gives  them  spiritual  water 
from  above,  and  this  becomes  in  them  a  well  of  water, 
springing  up  into  everlasting  life.  John  4. 

This  is  the  true  fountain  of  living  faith,  which 
comes  through  the  Holy  Ghost,  and,  springing  up, 
flows  forth  into  eternal  life.  This  is  then  a  river  of 
love  coming  down  from  above  and  returning  thither 
again.  Wherever  this  flood  of  love  comes,  there  are 
those  who  are  striving  up  stream  to  drink  of  it  at 
its  source.  For  love  out  of  a  pure  heart  and  of  a  good 
conscience  and  of  sincere  faith,  1  Tim.  1,  and  also 
for  a  broken  heart  overflowing  with  emotion,  they 
receive  kindness  and  consolation ;  and  in  kindness  they 
exercise  love  and  sympathy  through  the  divine  glory 
of  righteousness,  which  they  manifest  towards  their 
former  nature.  Thus  they  receive  again  in  return 
kindness  for  such  kindness,  love  for  love,  sympathy 
for  sympathy.  John  1.  This  is  communion  with  the 
Father  and  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  because  the  Father 
has  given  to  them  the  divine  nature  and  the  complete, 
holy,  virtuous  life  of  Jesus.  Because  he  has  given 
them  everything,  they  give  back  to  him  again  every- 


209 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


thing  in  love,  yes,  even  their  whole  hearts.    Then  he 

comes  and  knocks  at  the  door  of  their  hearts  and  they 
open  to  him,  and  he  will  sup  with  them  and  they  with 
him.  O  what  a  precious  feast  of  love  and  communion 
do  such  true,  faithful  ones  have,  united  with  the  dear 
cross-bearing  Jesus,  and  being  also  in  communion 
with  Jesus  through  love,  and  in  the  mortification  of 
the  old  nature,  and  in  arising  with  Christ  and  ascend- 
ing with  him  to  heaven,  where  Jesus  Christ  now  is, 
sitting  at  the  right  hand  of  God ! 

The  prose  occupies  the  latter  half  of  the  little  vol- 
ume. The  first  part  is  taken  up  with  a  series  of  poems 
under  the  general  title,  Spiegel  iind  Priifer  seine 
selbsf.    (Mirror  and  Examiner  of  one's  self.) 

The  poetry  is  not  arranged  in  stanzas,  but  in  verses 
rather,  something  like  our  Authorized  Bible.  There 
are  507  of  these  verses,  in  twenty-three  different 
groups,  each  with  its  own  title,  making  them  in  a 
manner  separate  poems.  Some  of  the  separate  titles 
are,  On  Water  Baptism,  On  Feetwashing,  On  Break- 
ing of  Bread,  On  the  Groundwork  and  Bond  of 
Faith,  On  the  Resurrection  of  the  Dead. 

The  eleventh  in  order  is  On  the  Bringing  tip  of 
Children,  which  will  be  found  of  interest. 

On  Bringing  Up  Children.^ 

241.  Married  people  who  are  in  the  Lord,  learn 
to  punish  your  children ;  restrain  their  naughty  ways, 
and  bring  them  up  in  the  Lord. 

242.  Fathers  should  not  scold,  should  not  do  any- 

>  These  extracts  are  taken  from  a  copy  of  the  work  In  the 
library  of  the  German  Society  of  Pennsylvania. 


210 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


thing  in  anp;cr  and  hatred ;  whoever  takes  the  rod  or 
switch  in  his  hand  in  an^cr  is  Satan's  instrument. 

_'4.>.  The  rod  sliould  not  bo  spared  while  children 
arc  voung- ;  witli  the  most  loving  stroke  should  the  evil 
spirit  be  driven  out. 

244.  He  who  loves  and  esteems  his  child,  will 
punish  it  and  lead  it  away  from  the  sinful  crowd  into 
the  fold  of  Christ,  to  be  in  the  fear  of  God,  to  his  own 
praise. 

245.  Children  should  be  obedient,  should  attend 
carefully  their  father  and  mother.  This  is  the  first 
command  and  advice  that  is  accompanied  by  divine 
promise. 

246.  There  is  also  a  lack  in  the  world,  that  pa- 
rents love  property  and  money ;  your  children  wish 
to  own  land  and  have  never  yet  known  God. 

247.  He  who  comes  before  his  children  with  laugh- 
ing and  acting  foolishly  and  tells  of  vice  and  lust  in 
the  world,  he  will  lead  his  children  into  the  world. 

248.  The  earthly-minded  father  takes  his  sleep 
and  then  rises  early  with  his  children  to  go  forth  into 
the  world  to  seek  houses,  lands,  cattle  and  gold. 

249.  He  says,  "  There  is  a  fine  piece  of  land,  I 
will  bring  a  claim  upon  it  lest  some  poor  man  possess 
it,  who  shall  no  longer  be  permitted  to  own  land." 

250.  Or,  if  he  does  not  actually  do  the  thing  as  I 
have  described  at  some  time,  he  is  at  any  rate  think- 
ing about  it  and  talking  about  it,  both  when  he  lies 
down  and  when  he  rises  up. 

251.  ^lany  a  one  does  this  and  many  similar 
things,  and  has  his  whole  heart  in  it ;  and  he  acknowl- 
edges before  this  that  he  is  but  poorly  prepared  to 
pray. 

252.  He  says,  "  It  makes  no  difference  if  prayers 
are  neglected  and  remain  unsaid  from  time  to  time, 
if  only  the  heart  is  in  proper  condition." 

253.  A  heart  that  is  in  proper  condition  prays  and 


211 


* 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

praises  Jesus  Christ  at  morn,  at  evening  and  at  mid- 
night, and  always  with  true  devotion. 

254.  The  daily  sacrifices  of  the  Old  Testament  had 
to  be  offered  in  the  morning  and  in  the  evening  at  a 
fixed  hour:  This  teaches  us  very  clearly  that  we 
should  not  neglect  prayer. 

255.  Daniel  fell  upon  his  knees  in  prayer,  and 
found  it  no  trouble  to  do  so  three  times  a  day ;  for 
which  faithfulness  in  prayer  he  was  cast  into  the  den 
of  lions. 

256.  David  also  was  very  anxious  to  praise  God 
three  times  in  a  day,  and  at  midnight  he  also  arose  to 
praise  God  with  heart  and  voice. 

257.  He  who  does  not  cling  to  a  false  ideal  will 
praise  God  with  heart  and  voice,  in  spirit  and  in 
truth,  as  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  has  taught  us. 

258.  Christ  and  the  prophets,  as  well  as  the  apos- 
tles on  all  occasions,  have  both  early  and  late  ex- 
horted us  to  prayer  most  earnestly,  by  precept  and  by 
example. 

259.  One  should  pray  and  entreat  and  praise  God, 
he  should  meditate  God's  Word  and  discourse  upon  it 
with  his  children  at  home,  when  he  comes  in  and  when 
he  goes  out. 

260.  When  he  lies  down  and  when  he  rises  up  he 
should  also  teach  his  children  to  love  the  Lord,  to  fear 
God,  and  to  keep  his  holy  precepts. 

261.  You,  dear  children,  learn  well  to  fear  the 
Lord,  as  people  should,  cling  to  the  dear  Lord,  know 
God  and  keep  him  ever  before  your  eyes. 

262.  Make  for  yourselves  plenty  of  pastime,  act 
out  your  fine  comedies  before  God  by  reading, 
writing,  singing  joyfully,  out  of  a  heart  full  of  love 
to  God. 

263.  Avoid  the  companionship  of  evil  men,  ab- 
stain wholly  from  the  pleasures  of  youth,  from  laugh- 

212 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


ing,  jestiiii;  and  buffoonery,  and  from  sins  of  many 
other  kinds. 

264.  If  (iion  you  arc  truly  obedient,  you  will  have 
joy  in  Jesus,  but  if  your  joy  is  in  i)ro])crly  and  wealth, 
then  are  ye  children  of  this  world. 

265.  Now  you  can  choose  what  you  will,  but 
choose  Jesus  rather  than  pold,  ho  is  a  treasure  that 
will  remain  forever,  his  spirit  animates  the  children 
of  God. 

266.  Ye  children,  be  ye  born  anew,  commit  your- 
selves to  Jesus  and  be  true,  then  ye  will  also  have  the 
rights  of  citizenship,  because  you  are  citizens  and  not 
slaves. 

267.  O  ye  children,  all  come  here,  come  to  Jesus, 
who  is  our  Lord ;  give  not  your  youth  to  the  world, 
give  yourselves  to  Jesus,  your  hero. 

268.  How  excellent  is  the  yoke  of  virtue!  How 
noble  he  who  in  tender  youth  takes  it  upon  himself, 
follows  Jesus,  and  cares  for  no  jesting  or  offence. 

John  Naas. 

John  Naas  has  already  been  mentioned  among  the 
strong  leaders  of  the  church  in  Germany.  Besides 
Alexander  Mack  there  was  probably  no  one  who  ex- 
erted a  larger  or  better  influence  for  the  church  than 
he.  He  was  an  intimate  friend  of  the  founder  and 
enjoyed  his  complete  confidence  and  esteem. 

He  was  descended  from  a  good  Westphalian  fam- 
ily, from  whom  he  inherited  that  native  grace  and 
refinement  that  comes  from  generations  of  culture. 
His  educational  opportunities  were  good  for  his  day, 
and  were  doubtless  well  employed.  He  impresses  us 
everywhere  as  a  man  of  true  culture  and  sound  schol- 
arship. 

213 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


His  beautiful  nature  and  well-trained  mind  were 
also  housed  in  a  fine  physical  organism.  He  was 
possessed  of  unusual  manly  beauty. 

Dr.  M.  G.  Brumbaugh  has  this  interesting  account 
of  an  incident  in  his  life.^ 

John  Naas  was  a  man  of  commanding  figure.  In 
the  year  1715,  accompanied  by  Brother  Jacob  Preisz, 
he  traveled  through  the  country  from  Creyfelt  to  Mar- 
ienborn  and  Epstein,  proclaiming  the  Gospel  of  our 
Lord.  At  this  time  Creyfelt  was  under  the  control  of 
the  Iving  of  Prussia.  The  Iving's  recruiting  officers 
were  canvassing  the  country  to  secure  recruits  for 
the  Prussian  army.  Every  one  of  sturdy  appearance 
was  compelled  to  enter  the  service.  The  King  was 
especially  anxious  to  secure  tall,  strong  men  for  his 
own  body  or  life  guard. 

John  Naas  was  just  such  a  man.  He  was  a  head 
taller  than  any  other  person  in  the  community,  and 
was  possessed  of  a  stout  athletic  constitution,  com- 
bined with  such  grace  and  nobleness  of  demeanor 
as  almost  to  strike  a  stranger  with  awe.  Preisz,  on 
the  other  hand,  was  a  small,  feeble  man. 

One  day  they  met  the  King's  recruiting  officers, 
whereupon  Naas  was  seized  and  urged  to  enlist.  He 
refused.  They  tortured  him  to  compel  him  to  sub- 
mit. These  tortures  consisted  of  pinching,  thumb- 
screwing,  etc.  But  he  steadfastly  refused.  They 
then  hung  him  up  with  a  heavy  cord  by  his  left  thumb 
and  right  great  toe,  in  which  painful  and  ignominious 
position  they  meant  to  leave  him  suspended  until  he 
should  yield  to  their  demands. 

This  did  not  cause  him  to  consent,  and,  fearing  that 
they  would  kill  him  if  they  longer  continued  their 


1  History  of  the  Brethren,  p.  103. 

214 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


barbarous  torture,  they  cut  Iiini  down  and  dragged 
him  l)v  force  into  tlic  i)resence  of  tiie  Iving. 

Tiiey  explained  to  the  King  what  they  had  done  and 
told  tlie  King  iiow  resohilely  and  stubhoridy  he  with- 
stood their  elYorts  to  cnhst  him.  The  King  eyed 
I'".Kler  Naas  closely  and  said,  "Why,  yes!  We  would 
much  hke  to  have  him.  Tell  me  why  you  refuse  to 
enlist." 

"  Because,"  answered  the  noble  Christian,  "  I  can- 
not, as  I  have  long  ago  enlisted  in  the  noblest  and 
best  army ;  and  I  cannot  became  a  traitor  to  my  King." 

"And  who  is  your  captain?"  asked  the  King. 

"  My  Captain,"  answered  he,  "  is  the  great  Prince 
Immanuel,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  I  have  espoused 
his  cause,  and  cannot  and  will  not  forsake  him." 

"  Neither  will  I  then  ask  you  to  do  so,"  answered 
the  noble  ruler,  handing  him  a  gold  coin  as  a  reward 
for  his  fidelity.    The  King  then  released  him. 

Naas  was  born  at  Xorten,  not  far  from  Cassel.  He 
joined  the  church  at  Marienborn  about  1713,  being 
then  about  forty-two  years  of  age.  He  was  soon  put 
to  the  ministry  and  in  a  short  time  rose  to  the  leader- 
ship of  the  congregation. 

Because  of  persecutions,  the  Marienborn  chr.rch  fled 
to  Creyfelt  in  1715.  Naas  accompanied  them  and  was 
soon  after  made  their  elder.  In  this  capacity  and  dur- 
ing the  few  following  years  he  did  his  greatest  work. 
He  was  possessed  of  a  strong  and  winning  personality 
that  greatly  endeared  him  to  the  little  flock  under  his 
care. 

Trouble  arose,  however,  in  the  little  congregation. 
Christian  Libe,  Naas's  colleague  in  the  eldership,  in- 
sisted on  a  rigid  enforcement  of  discipline  in  ecclesias- 

215 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


tical  matters,  and  succeeded  in  expelling  certain  mem- 
bers from  tlie  church,  flis  arbitrary  action  brought 
about  division  in  the  church  and  filled  many  hearts 
with  sorrow.  Naas  was  very  much  opposed  to  the 
methods  employed  by  his  colleague  and  withdrew 
from  the  neighborhood.  This  was  in  1717.  From  this 
time  until  he  came  to  America  in  1733,  he  was  not 
active  in  Christian  work.  His  heart  had  been  grieved 
almost  past  recovery. 

On  his  arrival  in  Germantown  he  was  warmly 
greeted  by  Alexander  Mack,  Peter  Becker  and  others. 
After  a  short  sojourn  among  the  Brethren  here  he 
went  to  Amwell,  New  Jersey,  where  he  settled  and 
built  up  a  flourishing  church. 

So  once  more  his  splendid  powers  were  brought 
into  the  active  service  of  the  church.  He  preached 
the  Word  with  power  and  greatly  endeared  himself 
to  his  people.  For  eight  years  he  labored  at  this  point, 
and  then,  having  passed  his  allotted  three-score  and 
ten,  he  was  called  home.   He  died  in  1741. 

He  did  a  good  work,  and  his  finely  developed  pow- 
ers were  sincerely  dedicated  to  the  service  of  his  Mas- 
ter. His  great  heart  never  forgot  the  sad  mistake  at 
Creyfelt,  however,  which  saddened  all  the  remainder 
of  his  life.  And  what  the  church  lost  in  the  loss  of 
his  ministerial  services  for  more  than  fifteen  years, 
we  shall  never  be  able  to  estimate. 

Elder  Naas  may  be  called  a  brilliant  man.  He  had 
perfect  command  of  his  faculties  and  was  able  to  use 
them  with  great  power.  If  he  had  aspired  to  author- 
ship he  would  certainly  have  gained  an  audience.  As 

216 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


it  was,  the  sphere  of  his  labors  was  ahnost  limited  to 
those  who  heard  him  speak  or  otherwise  eame  within 
the  raiij;e  of  his  iiilluence. 

All  occasional  hymn  remains  to  c^ive  us  an  insis^lit 
into  his  mind  antl  heart.  Two  of  these  were  ])rinte(I 
by  Samuel  Sower  in  the  same  volume  from  which  the 
hymn  by  Peter  Becker  above  was  taken — Dtis  Klcinc 
Dcnndische  Psaltcrspicl.  A  literal  unmetrical  trans- 
lation of  one  of  them  follows. 

1 

Savior  of  my  soul. 

Grant  that  I  may  choose 

Thee  and  thy  cross  in  this  life, 

And  surrender  myself  wholly  to  Thee. 

Grant  tliat  I  may  choose  this, 

Savior  of  my  soul. 

2 

Then  by  this  means  shall  I 

Be  rightly  led  to  the  light; 

For  Thy  entire  blessed  life 

Led  through  many  crosses,  ways  of  sorrow; 

By  this  means  I  shall  come 

Also  to  the  true  light. 

3 

Extend  to  me  Thy  hand; 

I  am  not  in  condition 

To  follow  Thee  rightly,  O  Jesus, 

Without  the  ointment  of  Thy  soul; 

Therefore  extend  Thy  hand 

To  him  who  is  not  able  to  come. 

4 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

How  is  it  that  Thy  light, 

In  these  dark  times,  is  removed 

217 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

So  far  away  and  is  not  at  my  side? 
Only  give  me  Thy  light, 

0  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

5 

1  am  very  much  encompassed 
By  the  spirit  of  the  world, 
Which  knows  how  to  disguise  itself 
Very  skillfully,  as  an  angel  of  light. 
Rescue  me,  Thy  child, 

From  this  base  mob. 

6 

O  Jesus,  look  within, 

That  Thy  spirit  alone 

May  now  rule  my  entire  life. 

Glad  to  go  with  Thee  into  death, 

Because  the  time  is  passing 

And  nothing  shall  endure. 

7 

Jesus,  Thou,  the  Word, 

Remainest  forever  and  ever; 

By  Thee  all  things  have  been  created 

That  heaven  and  earth  embrace. 

All  things  will  pass  away; 

Thou  alone  remainest  secure. 

8 

Ah,  grant  me  grace 

That  I  in  Thy  path  may  go, 

With  a  lengthening  of  my  own, 

And  in  Thee  alone  may  triumph. 

Send  me  Thy  favor. 

That  it  may  prosper  me. 

9 

Oh,  I  am  ashamed 
When  I  think  of  Thee, 
How  thou  hast  striven  for  me 


218 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


And  hast  overcome  the  world,  the  devil,  and  death. 
I  must  be  ashamed 
When  I  think  of  Thee. 

10 

Since  I  am  often  as  indiflferent 
As  a  wild  animal  in  the  forest, 
I  go  in  the  crowds  of  the  world 

And  have  not  my  journey  directed  toward  heaven. 
This  then  makes  me  sad 
As  often  as  I  think  of  it. 

11 

Jesus,  I  entreat  Tlicc, 

Come  another  time, 

Slu)w  to  mc  in  spirit  Thy  wounds, 

Then  shall  I  receive  my  former  happiness. 

Only  come  again, 

Jesus,  I  pray  Thee. 

12 

Ah,  put  me  in  haste 

By  Thy  arrows  of  love. 

Let  me  be  wounded  again  in  heart 

So  that  I  feel  sharply  the  pain 

Of  Thy  arrow  of  love. 

Cause  me  again  to  hasten. 

13 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

It  is  scarcely  any  wonder 

That  so  many  souls  become  doubtful 

And  come  to  the  conclusion  that, 

As  Thou  Thyself  hast  said, 

"  My  Lord  cometh  not  yet." 

14 

When  Tliou  keepest  silent 
Things  go  as  they  wish; 

219 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


So  that  men  in  their  own  willfulness 
Can  perform  anything  in  the  flesh. 
Because  Tliou  art  silent 
Things  go  as  they  wish. 

15 

God,  give  Thy  law 

To  Thy  Son,  who  is 

Also  a  King  upon  the  earth; 

That  soon  there  may  be  destrayed 

All  of  Satan's  wiles 

Through  Thy  righteous  law. 

16 

Jesus,  only  call 

From  the  foreign  yoke 

Many  souls  that  honor  Thee. 

Lord,  that  Thou  wouldst  convert  them 

So  that  they  would  yet  come 

Out  from  the  foreign  yoke. 

17 

Lord,  Thou  hast  the  power. 
Vindicate  Thy  honor. 
Most  precious  King,  Jesus  Christ, 
It  has  indeed  cost  Thy  blood; 
Therefore,  vindicate  Thine  honor, 
Lord,  it  lies  in  Thee. 

John  Hildchrand. 

It  is  not  easy  for  us  of  today  to  understand  the 
extent  to  which  the  spirit  of  mysticism  had  taken  hold 
of  all  classes  of  religious  people  in  the  early  18th  cen- 
tury. The  works  of  Spener,  Hochmann,  Boehm  and 
others  were  extensively  read,  and  the  influence  of  their 
teaching  was  felt  far  and  wide.   The  belief  that  Chris- 

220 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


tianity  was  merely  a  matter  of  the  spirit  seemed  to 
have  an  unusual  fascination  for  the  pcojilc  of  that  day. 

Many  of  our  early  Ijretliren  and  sisters  were  by  no 
means  free  from  tlie  contap^ion,  some  unfortunately  be- 
inix  alTected  to  the  extent  of  .qoinq'  out  of  the  church. 
The  first  division  in  the  church  of  really  alarming  pro- 
portions, the  withdrawal  of  Conrad  lleissel  and  his  ad- 
herents in  1728.  was  caused  by  this.  Many  who  re- 
tained their  allegiance  to  the  faith  they  had  espoused 
were  nevertheless  influenced  by  this  belief  and  their 
peace  of  mind  disturbed  because  of  it. 

It  took  the  sturdiest  and  strongest  men  in  the 
early  days  of  the  Brethren  church  to  stand  out 
boldly  against  it.  Such  men  were  the  first  Alexander 
Mack,  the  two  Christopher  Sowers,  Peter  Becker, 
John  Naas,  Michael  Frantz,  and  others.  Even  such 
great  leaders  and  preachers  as  Abraham  Duboy, 
Alexander  Mack  the  second,  Stephen  Koch,  Andrew 
Frey,  and  many  less  noted  than  these,  were  so  shaken 
in  their  beliefs  by  this  deceptive  doctrine  of  the  spirit 
that  they  were  many  years  in  adjusting  themselves  to 
a  rational,  consistent  basis  of  Christian  faith  and  prac- 
tice, if,  indeed,  some  of  them  ever  reached  this  state 
at  all. 

Of  this  latter  class  was  John  Hildebrand.  He  was 
a  man  of  quiet  and  unassuming  disposition,  and  led 
a  peaceable  life.  Yet  the  conflicting  religious  beliefs 
of  his  day  disturbed  him  to  the  end  of  his  life.  His 
discontented  spirit  never  reached  a  sure  abiding  place 
in  this  world.  At  one  time  a  member  of  the  Brethren 
church,  later  a  discontented  follower  of  Beissel,  then 

221 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


back  to  Germantown  again  and  on  friendly  terms  with 
the  Brethren,  but  whether  a  member  of  tlie  church  is 
uncertain,  his  last  days  were  spent  unhappily  at 
Ephrata,  where  he  seems  to  have  been  neglected  and 
unappreciated. 

Hildebrand  was  born  in  Germany  in  1679.  He 
joined  the  church  in  Europe,  and  was  among  the  first 
of  the  Brethren  to  come  to  America.  His  life  was 
spent  quietly  at  Germantown  and  Ephrata.  He  was 
a  preacher  of  some  note,  and  Alexander  Mack's  sec- 
ond son,  Valentine  Mack,  was  married  to  his  daughter. 

Although  for  many  years  a  member  of  the  Ephrata 
community  he  never  became  closely  identified  with  it. 
Many  of  the  practices  he  did  not  approve  of  and  this 
led  to  repeated  controversies  with  the  superintendent 
Beissel.  In  1741  he  drew  up  a  protest  against  the 
practice  of  applying  the  title  of  Father  to  Beissel. 
Thus  he  incurred  the  latter's  disfavor,  and  the  result 
was  that  he  was  never  advanced  or  entrusted  with  im- 
portant responsibilities  at  Ephrata. 

He  attended  several  of  the  synods  called  by  Count 
Zinzendorf  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  deliberations. 
He  was  a  delegate  from  Ephrata.  He  later  disap- 
proved of  the  methods  pursued  by  the  Count,  and 
withdrew  from  the  synod,  refusing  to  have  anything 
further  to  do  with  the  movement.  He  felt  that  Zin- 
zendorf was  trying  to  entrap  the  various  Protestant 
denominations  into  an  alliance  that  would  cost  them 
their  independence  as  religious  bodies.  He  therefore 
turned  against  him  and  took  part  in  the  pamphlet  war- 
fare that  was  being  waged  against  the  Count. 

222 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


To  this  cau>o  lie  contril)iilc(l  at  least  four  separate 
inihlications  in  one  year  (1743).  The  first  is  entitled 
"  Jrolili^ri^riindctcs  Bcdcukcn  dcr  christliclicii  Cciiic- 
inc  ill  uiid  bey  Ephnita  fon  dent  ll'c}^  dcs  llcilijiuiig." 
This  was  followed  hy  the  otlier  three  apparently  in 
this  order:  Mistisclics  tiitd  Kirchlichcs  Zcugniisc  dcr 
Brildcrschaft  in  Zion;  Schriftmiisziges  Zcugniisz  von 
dent  Hiinnilisclicii  iind  Juiii^friiiiliclien  Gcbahrtmgs- 
zverk;  Ein  Schrciben  dcr  hcrrnhutischen  Gcmcine  aus 
Hirer  Confcrcnz  an  Mistr  Johann  Hildcbrand  in  Eph- 
rata.  The  first  three  are  directed  against  Zinzendorf 
and  his  scheme.  The  last  is  directed  against  the  Mora- 
vians as  a  church. 

In  all  of  these  works  Hildebrand  shows  himself  an 
adept  in  the  use  of  argument.  Not  that  he  is  always 
logical  or  consistent,  but  he  is  always  earnest  and  sin- 
cere, and  has  the  faculty  of  grouping  his  arguments 
in  a  way  to  make  them  strong.  He  seems  to  us  need- 
lessly violent  at  times,  and  if  he  is  not  always  as  care- 
ful as  he  might  be  in  the  choice  of  his  words,  we  may 
be  able  to  make  some  allowance  on  the  score  of  ear- 
nestness. All  four  of  these  books  were  printed  by 
Christopher  Sower,  with  whom  Hildebrand  seems  al- 
ways to  have  been  on  excellent  terms. 

A  few  paragraphs  from  the  second  of  the  works 
mentioned  above  will  give  some  idea  of  Hildebrand's 
manner,  and  at  the  same  time  show  his  high  ideal  as 
regards  the  Christian  ministry. 

It  has  already  been  stated  that  the  Levitical  priest- 
hood was  not  able  to  remit  sins ;  for  this  reason  Christ 
appeared  and  instituted  an  entirely  different  order  of 

223 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


priesthood  in  the  church,  not  after  the  order  of  Aaron 
but  after  that  of  Melchizedek.  This  new  priestly 
order  in  the  church  of  the  new  covenant,  under  the 
leadership  of  the  high  priest  Jesus  Christ,  is  to  be 
conducted  by  such  as  he  himself  has  chosen  and  has 
qualified  for  the  ofiice  by  many  kinds  of  sorrows. 
Since  I  am  aware  that  this  important  point  is  not 
well  understood,  it  shall  be  discussed  a  little  at  length. 

This  office  may  on  no  account  be  administered  by 
any  mere  man,  because  the  government  of  man  does 
not  belong  in  the  church ;  but  it  is  an  office  of  service 
which  arises  out  of  the  mysterious  world.  Much  more 
does  it  demand  a  person  who  has  been  prepared  for 
it  by  the  test  of  great  endurance.  Because  he  attracts 
the  attention  of  the  devil  by  the  very  nature  of  his 
work,  he  must  be  a  very  different  person,  in  a  certain 
respect,  from  what  he  appears  outwardly,  if  the  devil 
does  not  find  him.  It  must  not  be  necessary  for  him 
to  draw  his  spiritual  nourishment  and  support  from 
his  office ;  but  he  must  already  before  this,  during  his 
whole  life,  have  become  God's  own  so  completely  that 
he  is  able  to  spend  his  time  in  the  quiet  present  of 
eternity  before  God;  just  as  Christ  for  the  sake  of  the 
love  of  God  and  of  his  neighbors,  came  down  in  the 
Hkeness  of  man  to  become  the  means  of  salvation  to 
them. 

The  greatest  urgency  must  drive  him  to  this  office ; 
it  must  be  the  greatest  burden  of  his  heart  to  admin- 
ister it  successfully,  so  that  when  the  time  of  assurance 
comes  he  can  lay  it  down  at  the  feet  of  God,  raise  his 
hands  in  innocence  and  say,  "  Lord,  thou  knowest 
that  I  am  not  deserted."  Indeed  by  his  faithfulness 
he  must  have  closed  the  mouth  of  justice  so  that  it 
may  become  his  friend  and,  in  case  of  need,  his  advo- 
cate. In  short,  he  must  have  lost  his  soul  and  found 
it  again,  so  that  he  could  lay  it  down  as  an  anathema 
for  his  brethren. 


224 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


1 1  il(U'I)ranil  U>ok  up  his  alxnlo  at  l'".phrata  in  1739. 
About  1745,  possibly  a  little  earlier,  a  priiitinf^-])rcss 
was  set  up  there,  and  one  of  the  first  works  to  be  is- 
sued from  the  m  w  press  was  an  Englisli  translation  of 
a  tract  by  lliltlebrand  aj^ainst  the  views  of  niarriatje 
as  held  by  tlie  Moravians.  Ciiristopher  Sower  had 
printed  this  work  in  German  a  few  years  before.  In 
speaking-  of  this  event,  the  writers  of  the  Chronicon 
Ephratcitsc  make  this  curious  remark:  "Soon  after 
this  a  printing-press  was  set  up  in  tlie  community  and 
the  same  writing  was  there  printed,  by  order  of  the 
prior,  in  the  English  language.  Because  he  had  done 
this  of  his  own  accord,  however,  and  soon  after  left 
the  community,  all  his  acts  were  disaninillcd  and  the 
English  print  also  committed  to  the  flames." 

The  prior  referred  to  here  was  Israel  Eckerling,  who 
left  Ephrata  in  disrepute  in  September,  1745.  It  ap- 
pears from  this  remark  that  Hildebrand  and  his  little 
book  were  made  the  innocent  objects  of  the  vengeance 
incited  by  an  unpopular  prior. 

In  1747  Sower  brought  out  another  volume  of  159 
pages  entitled,  Enie  riiffeude  Wdchter-stimme  an  alle 
Seelcn  die  iiach  Gott  und  scincm  Reich  hungerend 
sind.  Oder  enie  Vorstellnng,  zvie  der  arme  Mensch 
iin  gdttlichen  Leben  erstorhen  und  im  4  elementisclien 
Leben  anfgeivacht.  Aiis  Erfahrung  geschrieben  Von 
eiuein  nach  Gott  tind  seniem  Reich  sehnenden  Herzen. 
This  is  the  longest  of  Hildebrand's  works. 

John  Hildebrand  was  a  ready  writer,  and  in  1764 
there  was  issued  from  the  Sower  press  another  small 
volume  from  his  pen.    It  was  entitled,  Ein  Gesprdch 

225 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


swischen  cinem  Jiingling  und  eincm  Alten  von  dent 
Nutzcn  der  gottsceligcn  Gcmeinschafftcn.^  (A  con- 
versation between  a  youth  and  an  Old  Man  concerning 
the  Need  of  Rehgious  Societies.) 

The  last  topic  of  the  conversation  will  be  found  of 
interest. 

Youth. — I  am  very  well  satisfied  with  your  answers, 
but  I  have  one  more  question.  Can  a  member  of  the 
church  who  is  still  living  give  no  more  aid  at  all  to  a 
disembodied  soul  after  death  ?  Granted  that  in  the 
case  of  many  a  soul,  the  death  struggle  with  eternal 
death  is  so  hard  that  the  poor  soul  in  its  departure 
from  the  body  could  not  fully  break  through  the  gate 
of  death,  since  its  faith  in  and  surrender  to  the  Re- 
deemer was  still  too  weak  to  bind  it  in  confidence 
securely  to  him,  although  it  remained  bound  to  him 
in  hope  as  if  by  a  weak  thread  of  faith ;  can  these  souls, 
then,  which  have  been  united  together  in  spirit  in  this 
bodily  life,  no  longer  be  useful,  by  hearty  intercession, 
to  departed  souls? 

The  old  man  answers. — Yes,  certainly,  these  souls, 
which  have  been  united  in  spirit  here  and  retain  a 
good  confidence  and  a  hearty  interest  in  one  another, 
can  still  be  useful  to  a  departed  soul  by  means  of 
hearty  intercession,  whereby  it  can  be  strengthened  in 
the  thread  of  faith,  by  which  it  still  attached  itself  to 
its  Redeemer  on  its  departure,  and  by  this  means  at- 
tach itself  the  more  securely  by  the  entreaty  of  others 
for  it.  It  is  very  certain  that  in  many  a  soul  true,  real 
faith  is  still  too  weak  to  trust  itself  completely  to  Him 
alone  in  this  mortal  combat,  because  it  formerly  had 
so  many  other  supports ;  and  it  had  not  yet  become 
accustomed  to  do  without  all  these  props  and  to  rely 

'  Copy  In  the  library  of  the  Historical  Society  of  Pena- 
sylvania. 

226 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


upon  II ill!  alone  invisible,  in  ihc  spirit,  and  to  embrace 
liim  alono  in  faith  as  its  Redeemer  and  remain  cHnt^- 
in<j  to  him.  In  the  contest  of  death  all  the  additional 
supports  will  fall  away,  and  the  Redeemer  has  not 
yet  received  the  soul  so  fully  that  throuj^h  his  power 
it  can  break  throus^h  death  and  conquer  it.  In  this 
way  such  souls,  even  after  death,  can  still  be  useful  to 
those  souls  with  which  they  have  been  united  in  life, 
by  heartily  entreating  for  them  that  God  and  their 
Redeemer  may  have  mercy  upon  them  and  come  to 
their  aid,  to  strenirthen  their  faith,  so  that  they  may 
continue  to  clintj',  in  hope,  to  their  Redeemer.  This 
entreaty  will  then  be  an  alms  to  help  to  steady  its 
spirit,  longing  for  redemption,  and  bring  it  to  redemp- 
tion. By  so  doing  it  may  the  sooner  obtain  power  in 
faith  to  subdue  the  will  into  complete  submission  and 
confidence  in  the  Redeemer.  In  this  way,  by  His 
power,  it  can  break  through  death  and  receive  re- 
demption from  the  bonds  of  death.  Without  such 
hearty  supplication,  a  l)are  external  admission  into  the 
church  is  not  sufficient  to  break  the  bonds  of  eternal 
death,  which  still  holds  captive  such  souls.  This  the 
powerful  Mediator,  Jesus  Christ  alone,  must  perform 
in  the  souls  of  those  who  accept  him  in  faith  and  cling 
securely  to  him.  He  alone  has  the  key  of  hell  and 
death ;  he  alone  has  the  power  to  go  into  the  house  of 
death,  to  bind  the  strong  enemy,  to  draw  his  weapons 
and  take  unto  himself  the  devil's  prey,  that  is,  the 
poor  imprisoned  souls  that  have  surrendered  them- 
selves to  him  by  submitting  their  wills  to  his  will,  in- 
stead of  waiting  for  their  redemption  through  divine 
mercy.  As  regards  this  no  one  can  give  any  aid  ex- 
cept through  sincere  entreaty,  which,  as  has  been  said, 
unites  with  the  longing  of  the  soul  and  penetrates  into 
God  himself.  Then  the  promise  will  also  be  realized  in 
its  fulfillment:  "  Where  two  or  three  are  met  together 
in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of  them;  and 


227 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

what  they  ask,  I  will  give  them,"  IMatt.  18:  19,  20. 
"  What  they  pray  for  shall  be  given  them  of  my 
father."  By  such  persistent  supplication  the  soul  may 
receive  additional  strength  in  its  longing,  and  its  cour- 
age may  be  increased  to  hold  on  the  more  securely,  and 
to  continue  doing  so  until  it  is  ransomed.  What  is  re- 
quired further  for  the  purification  of  such  a  soul  will 
be  performed  in  the  habitation  to  which  it  is  removed, 
as  has  been  said  already.  This  message  was  specially 
impressed  upon  my  heart,  and  laid  upon  my  under- 
standing by  the  spirit,  by  which  I  have  also  been 
urged  to  write  and  give  it  to  the  public  as  a  testimony 
of  the  truth  from  me,  a  poor  unworthy  worm. 
The  16th  of  August,  1754. 

John  Hildebrand. 

Stephen  Koch. 

The  mystical  tendency  so  strongly  felt  in  the  life  of 
Hildebrand  was  even  more  pronounced  in  that  of 
Stephen  Koch.  (Cook).  This  latter  was  a  brilliant 
man,  but  he  lacked  the  bed-rock  stability  of  character 
that  was  almost  a  necessity  in  his  day  to  keep  a  man 
steadfastly  on  his  feet.  At  times  he  exhibited  unusual 
ardor  and  enthusiasm  in  his  religious  work,  at  other 
times  he  became  sulky  and  depressed,  and  seemed  to 
lose  all  interest. 

In  Germany  he  was  a  member  of  the  Creyfelt  con- 
gregation. As  early  as  1714  he  was  already  in  the 
ministry  actively  engaged  in  proclaiming  the  Word 
of  Truth.  John  Naas  was  the  elder  in  charge  at  Crey- 
felt, and  he  seems  to  have  exerted  a  wholesome  in- 
fluence upon  Koch.  He  kept  his  zeal  warm  and  his 
enthusiasm  aglow.   Under  the  encouragement  and  di- 

228 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


rection  of  I'.ldcr  Naas,  Koch  traveled  extensively  over 
the  KliiiK-  country  doinj;  cvauij^chstic  work.  lie  was  an 
attractive  and  forceful  speaker,  and  his  efforts  were 
blessed  with  success. 

When  Peter  Becker  orpmizcd  the  first  company  of 
Dunkers  to  come  to  America  in  1719,  Stephen  Koch 
was  one  of  the  number.  The  inactivity  of  these  Breth- 
ren, however,  durinj^  the  first  years  of  their  stay  here 
was  disastrous  to  his  zeal.  He  was  present  at  the 
organization  of  the  first  congregation,  at  Germantown, 
and  became  a  member  of  this  congregation.  He  also 
attended  the  first  love-feast  held  in  America,  on  Christ- 
mas evening,  1723. 

But  he  had  lost  his  pristine  ardor.  Koch  was  a 
man  who  needed  the  steadying  and  directing  power  of 
a  stronger  character.  So  long  as  he  was  under  the 
influence  of  John  Naas  he  received  the  stimulus  and 
direction  that  his  nature  required.  But  since  coming 
to  America  he  had  found  no  one  who  could  supply 
this  deficiency  in  .his  character.  He  fraternized  with 
the  Brethren  still,  but  showed  little  interest  in  the  work 
of  the  church,  or  little  enthusiasm  for  the  cause. 

In  the  summer  of  1726  he,  in  company  with  Peter 
Becker,  Henry  Traut  and  others  from  Germantown, 
visited  some  of  the  Brethren  living  in  the  more  re- 
mote sections  of  Pennsylvania.  Among  others  they 
visited  the  Conestoga  congregation,  presided  over  by 
Conrad  Beissel.  Thus  brought  together,  Koch  and 
Beissel  soon  discovered  in  each  other  kindred  spirits. 
The  spirit  of  mysticism  had  already  taken  hold  of  both. 

Although  their  relations  were  at  first  not  entirely 
229 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

cordial,  owing  to  a  slight  disagreement  in  regard  to 
some  church  work,  yet  Beissel  had  a  charm  for  Koch 
and  exercised  an  influence  over  him  that  the  latter 
could  not  resist. 

Koch  now  spent  much  of  his  time  in  the  Conestoga 
region,  where  the  spirit  of  mysticism  was  growing 
more  pronounced  all  the  time.  When  Beissel  withdrew 
from  the  Dunkers  in  1728  and  set  up  for  himself, 
Koch  was  very  much  interested  in  all  the  proceedings, 
but  still  remained  with  the  Germantown  church. 

He  was  not  at  peace,  however.  Soon  after  this  he 
began  to  have  strange  dreams  and  visions.  He  made 
these  known  to  some  of  the  younger  members  of  the 
Germantown  congregation.  They  caught  the  con- 
tagion, and  soon  the  mother  church  was  in  great  ex- 
citement. This  continued  until  1739,  when  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  the  first  church  in  America  mi- 
grated to  Ephrata  and  took  up  the  life  of  the  Sab- 
batarian hermits.  Stephen  Koch,  who  was  the  real 
cause  of  this  separation,  was  one  of  the  number  and 
the  rest  of  his  days  were  spent  in  the  cloister  on  the 
Cocalico. 

He  seems  never  to  have  found  real  happiness  or 
contentment.  At  times  he  became  despondent  and  re- 
proached himself  as  the  vilest  of  sinners.  He  ques- 
tioned the  sincerity  of  his  conversion,  and  despaired 
of  attaining  to  the  state  of  spiritual  perfection  for 
which  he  longed.  He  died  at  Ephrata  July  7,  1763, 
after  having  been  in  the  Christian  ministry  for  about 
fifty  years. 

Christopher  Sower,  in  1744,  printed  a  volume  of 
230 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


"  Sinuiry  old  and  ncn'  Stories  of  the  /lf>f>caraiice  of 
GJiosts,  and  something  about  the  Condition  of  the 
Soul  after  Death.  Togcfhcr  i^'ith  several  such  Stories 
of  Persons  leho  are  still  living."  Among  these  were 
two  of  Stephen  Koch's  visions.  The  popularity  of 
these  stories  is  attested  by  the  fact  that  other  editions 
of  the  book  were  called  for  in  1748,  1755,  and  1792. 
A  copy  of  the  1755  edition  is  in  the  library  of  the 
German  Society,  Philadelphia,  and  it  is  from  this  that 
I  quote. 

We  came  into  a  land  whose  beauty  and  loveliness 
no  man  can  describe.  Yes,  I  was  very  much  surprised 
at  all  that  I  saw  and  heard  there.  For  at  a  distance,  I 
heard  the  sound  of  innumerable  voices,  and  all  kinds 
of  musical  instruments  blended  in  such  harmony  that 
it  sounded  very  lovely  to  me.  These  words  I  heard: 
"  He  is  the  only  one ;  to  him  alone  belongs  the  glory." 
After  this  I  was  brought  to  a  beautiful  city,  whose 
streets  were  of  pure  gold.  Here  I  saw  immense 
throngs  of  people,  all  clothed  in  white.  I  gazed  at 
them  all  in  wonder.  It  seemed  to  me  that  they  were 
all  hovering  in  the  air  and  praising  God.  Yes,  they 
were  wafting  up  and  down,  and  were  continually 
praising  and  glorifying  him  who  lives  forever  and 
ever.  Wondering  at  wliat  I  saw  and  heard,  I  thought 
to  myself,  "  Oh,  this  is  the  eternal  rising  and  sinking 
in  the  bottomless  sea  of  God's  love.  Oh,  how  calm ! 
Oh,  how  good !  " 

Now  he  took  me  and  carried  me  upon  a  beautiful, 
high  mountain  and  said,  "  This  is  Alount  Zion,  the 
castle  of  David."  Then  I  looked  about  me  as  far  as 
I  could  see,  and  beheld  a  beautiful,  level  valley,  with 
an  innumerable  crowd  of  people,  all  clothed  in  white, 
wafting  up  and  down  and  praising  the  eternal,  good 

231 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


God  in  an  inexpressible  manner,  and  in  such  sweet 
melody  as  no  man  can  describe.  I  was  in  great  joy 
at  all  that  I  heard  and  saw.  After  I  had  seen  and 
heard  this  for  a  time  he  took  me  back  to  the  city  al- 
ready mentioned,  and  when  I  looked  up  I  saw  the 
vault  of  heaven  wondrously  bright  and  shining.  Al- 
together it  was  beautiful  beyond  compare,  indescrib- 
ably glorious,  and  unspeakably  bright. 

Since  I  recognized  no  one  among  all  these  people, 
I  sighed,  "  Oh,  God,  if  I  could  only  see  some  one  that 
I  know  I  "  Then  some  one  came  floating,  as  it  were, 
towards  me,  and  spake  to  me  in  a  very  friendly  man- 
ner. "Ah,  whence  comest  thou  in  thy  old  body  and 
thy  old  garments?"  I  was  afraid  and  replied,  "This 
person  has  brought  me  here."  He  asked  me  if  I  knew 
him.  I  said,  "  No."  He  said,  "  I  am  Hochmann,  who 
died  at  Schwarzenau.  Behold  now,  here  is  the  peace- 
ful kingdom  of  Zion  and  the  blessed  company  of  re- 
deemed souls,  of  whom  thou  hast  heard  me  speak 
before  this  when  I  was  still  with  you.  Here  is  the 
earth,  which  Jesus  said  the  meek  shall  possess.  This 
is  dififerent  from  the  old  world,  for  the  souls  that  fol- 
low the  Lord  Jesus  through  distress  and  sorrow 
patiently  to  the  end,  enter  this  blessed  place  of  rest." 
After  these  words  he  seemed  to  be  flying  away  from 
me.  But  I  was  in  very  deep  thought.  I  heard  a  sigh 
and  wished  that  I  could  see  some  one  else  whom  I  had 
known  in  life. 

Then  again  I  saw  a  person  come  flying  towards  me. 
She  spoke  to  me  in  a  friendly  manner  and  said: 
"  Stephen,  how  comest  thou  here  in  thy  old  garments 
and  thy  old  body?"  I  replied,  "This  person  has 
brought  me  here."  She  asked  me  if  I  knew  her.  I 
said,  "  No."  She  said,  "  I  am  Benzin  "  (an  aged 
widow)  "who  formerly  lived  among  you."  (She 
died  in  Germantown.)  "  Thou  seest  now,  I  am  in 
this  place  of  blissful  rest,  of  which  I  have  so  often 

232 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


talked  witli  thee.  In  those  days  I  often  felt  a  little  of 
this  place,  when  my  soul  sank  into  God  ;  but  it  never 
lasted  louj^,  and  I  became  distracted  again;  and  in  re- 
newed restlessness  I  had  to  seek  for  rest  again,  until 
I  entered  into  this  place  of  rest  and  peace;  yes,  a  place 
of  everlasting  blessedness,  where  there  is  no  more 
change  or  fear  of  change.  To  (iod,  who  is  worthy  of 
all  love  and  praise,  be  glory  forever!  " 

Then  she  was  lifted  up  from  me  and  ascended  up 
towards  the  beautiful  vault  of  heaven  until  I  could  no 
longer  see  her.  Hut  as  long  as  1  could  hear  her  voice, 
I  heard  unspeakable  words  in  praise  of  God. 

Andrew  Frey. 

Of  the  early  life  of  Andrew  l'"rey  nothing  is  defi- 
nitely known.  We  cannot  be  certain  when  he  joined 
the  church  or  when  he  came  to  this  country.  In  1728 
the  Falckner's  Swamp  congregation  was  organized 
and  Andrew  Frey  was  put  in  charge  as  elder.  This 
is  the  first  positive  information  we  have  about  him. 

This,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  during  the  same 
year  that  Beissel  left  the  church,  and  already  the  re- 
lations between  him  and  the  recognized  leaders  of  the 
church  were  severely  strained.  Frey  stood  steadfastly 
with  the  Germantown,  Coventry  and  other  congrega- 
tions against  the  innovations  that  were  being  intro- 
duced by  Beissel. 

As  a  loyal  and  representative  member  of  the  Bun- 
ker church  Frey  was  sent  as  a  delegate  to  the  Zinzen- 
dorf  synods.  He  took  a  leading  part  in  the  delibera- 
tions, and  was  esteemed  by  the  representatives  of  the 
various  denominations  for  his  fairness  and  liberal- 
mindedness.   Finally,  when  trustees  for  this  new  order 

233 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


of  mysticism  were  to  be  chosen,  Frey  was  one  of  the 
three  elected. 

The  mystical  temlency  of  his  thouglit  now  became 
more  marked.  And  the  man  wlio  had  stood  out 
resolutely  against  the  mysticism  of  the  Cocalico  region 
as  promulgated  by  Bcisscl  now  gave  way  before  the 
blandishments  of  Zinzendorf.  The  Count  of  course 
knew  the  value  of  such  a  man  as  Frey  to  the  Moravian 
cause,  and  doubtless  used  all  his  persuasive  powers 
to  bring  about  his  conversion.  The  result  was  that 
Frey  left  the  church  and  joined  the  Moravians. 

Not  long  after  this  the  Count  sailed  for  Europe  in 
the  interest  of  his  schemes,  and  Frey  with  others 
accompanied  him. 

He  was  not  with  them  long,  however,  until  his  eyes 
were  opened  to  some  things  that  he  had  not  known  be- 
fore. He  soon  found  many  things  in  their  practices  to 
criticise.  He  became  discontented,  dissatisfied,  and  fi- 
nally disgusted.  Once  his  confidence  was  lost  and  his 
resentment  aroused,  he  could  oppose  his  new  religious 
creed  as  vigorously  as  he  had  formerly  advocated  it. 

He  spoke  out  freely  his  opposition.  This  brought 
on  repeated  controversies  with  the  Count  and  others 
of  his  adherents.  Some  of  these  were  exceedingly  bit- 
ter. Finally  Frey  withdrew  from  those  with  whom  he 
found  himself  no  longer  in  accord  and  sailed  for 
America. 

He  returned  to  those  from  whom  he  had  gone  out 
and,  having  made  proper  acknowledgments,  was 
again  received  into  fellowship. 

He  never  was  quite  able  to  forget  the  mistreatment 
234 


Writers  of  llic  Eighteenth  Century 

ho  had  received  at  tlie  hand^  of  llie  Moravians,  as  it 
seemed  to  him.  After  his  reliini  lie  wrote  a  hook, 
in  which  lie  i;ave  to  llie  puhHc  his  experiences  and 
oliservatioiis.  It  is  one  of  the  most  vigorous  pieces 
of  writint,'  tliat  1  liave  met  with  in  our  early  church 
Htcrature. 

The  book  is  entitled, 

Andreas  Freyen 
seine 
Declaration, 

odcr: 
Erkllining, 
Auf  welclie  ll'cise  tind  zvie  er 
untcr  die  sogcnantc 
Hcrrnhiitcr  Genieine  Gc- 
koinen; 

Und  u'arnni  cr  zviedcr  davon  abgegan^s^en 
Nebst  dcr  Bezveg-Ursache,  zvarum  ers  publiciert. 
Germantoivn  gcdruckt  bev  Christoph  Saur, 

ir.i8. ' 

(Andrew  Frcy's  Declaration,  or  Explanation  as  to 
how  and  in  what  manner  he  became  a  member  of  the 
Moravian  Church,  and  why  he  left  it  again.  Togeth- 
er with  the  particular  Reason  why  he  publishes  it. 
Germantown,  printed  by  Christopher  Sower,  1748.) 

Vxfty  found  many  things  to  criticise  the  Moravians 
for.  I  have  made  several  extracts  from  his  book, 
not  for  the  purpose  of  calling  attention  to  the  nature 
of  his  quarrel,  which  can  fortunately,  however,  do  no 
harm  at  this  late  day,  but  to  illustrate  his  method  as 
a  thinker  and  writer.^ 


'  From  a  copy  in  the  library  of  the  Historical  Society  of 
Pennsylvania. 

335 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

Once  all  the  brethren  and  sisters  who  had  come 
from  Pennsylvania  held  a  love-feast.  Then  the  Count 
(Zinzcndorf)  told  each  one  what  he  thought  of  him. 
When  he  came  to  me  he  said,  "  Brother  Andrew  has 
indeed  a  bright  countenance,"  but  he  took  note  of  me 
that  I  had  something  that  disturbed  me  on  my  mind 
so  that  I  was  not  always  contented.  This  was  so. 
For  I  was  compelled  to  see  and  hear  many  things 
that  made  me  sad.  Meanwhile  I  did  as  well  as  I  could, 
but  this  was  only  tolerable,  till  the  spring  of  1746. 
Then  the  Count  together  with  his  family  and  the  most 
eminent  members  of  the  pilgrim  church  went  to  Hol- 
land to  attend  the  synod.  From  there  they  went  to 
England  and  were  gone  about  a  half  year  before  they 
returned.  In  May  was  the  birthday  of  the  Count. 
They  wrote  about  this  from  Holland  to  those  at 
Marienbom,  and  ordered  that  on  this  day  the  ducal 
palace  should  be  illuminated.  This  was  done  in  the 
following  manner. 

They  brought  great  wagonloads  of  green  bushes 
and  decorated  the  hall  of  the  palace  (which  is  called 
Bethlehem,  and  is  one  hundred  feet  long  and  forty 
feet  wide)  so  that  it  was  completely  green  within, 
and  hung  there  brazen  lamps  in  it,  each  with  seven 
lights.  There  were  also  four  columns  erected  in  the 
hall,  which  were  hung  full  of  lights,  arranged  in 
waves  or  coils  like  a  serpent  or  snail.  Letters  of  the 
alphabet  two  feet  long  or  longer  were  made  of  wood, 
and  were  arranged  so  as  to  spell  the  name  Ludwig 
von  Zinzcndorf.  These  were  covered  with  gold  and 
placed  upon  the  wall,  and  were  hung  full  of  lights. 
The  couches  upon  which  the  people  sat  were  covered 
with  fine  linen  and  were  artistically  decorated  with 
silk  ribbons.  There  was  a  table,  made  in  keeping 
with  the  letters  of  the  name  in  whose  honor  the  feast 
was  celebrated.  A  cake  was  baked  as  large  as  could 
be  baked  in  a  bake-oven.    As  many  holes  were  made 

236 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 

in  this  cake  as  the  person  whose  birtli  it  celebrated 
was  years  old.  A  caiullo  was  placed  in  each  hole  and 
one  in  the  middle.  Witlunit,  in  the  yard,  many  dec- 
orations were  made  of  leaves  nntl  tlowers.  Here  aj;ain 
the  name  of  the  C'onnt  was  hung  uj)  and  filled  with 
lif^^hts.  Altof^ether  lights  had  been  provided  by  the 
thonsands,  and  it  was  so  arranged  that  they  were  all 
lighted  at  one  time,  without  and  within  the  hall, 
luirthermore  all  the  windows  on  the  front  side  of  the 
palace  were  filled  with  lights,  so  that  the  palace  looked 
in  the  darkness  like  pure  fire.  Songs  of  praise  were 
composetl  in  honor  of  the  Count,  filled  with  such  ex- 
clamations of  joy  that  I  never  could  have  believed  that 
there  are  people  who  would  accept  such  honor  and 
exaltation  from  men,  as  were  given  at  this  feast  and 
have  often  been  given  since.  These  were  sung  by 
several  thousand  persons,  accompanied  by  music  sup- 
plied by  a  whole  host  of  musicians,  something  like 
what  might  have  been  expected  at  the  court  of  a 
heathen  king.  Of  such  things  at  least  I  have  several 
times  heard  but  have  never  seen,  and  they  will  never 
be  seen  by  persons  who  obey  Christ  and  crucify  their 
flesh  together  with  their  lusts  and  desires.  Such 
feasts  of  revelry  were  held  after  this  eight  times  a 
year,  as  follows :  in  honor  of  the  Count,  in  honor  of 
the  Countess,  in  honor  of  the  Count's  son,  in  honor 
of  each  of  the  three  young  countesses ;  also  in  honor 
of  Anna  Nitschman,  and  of  John  of  Wattenville,  the 
Count's  son-in-law.  This  was  to  nearly  all  people  a 
new  aflfair,  for  other  persons  came  also  and  looked 
on  this  lust  of  the  eye,  this  carousing,  this  vain  show, 
this  wasteful  prodigality.  As  such  it  was  commonly 
reported  at  Frankfort  and  other  neighboring  places. 
It  soon  became  a  great  scandal  and  object  of  ridicule, 
for  it  did  not  at  all  harmonize  with  the  teaching  of 
Christ  when  he  said,  "  Let  your  light  so  shine  before 
men  that  they  may  see  }Our  good  works  and  may 

237 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


glorify  your  Father  who  is  in  heaven."  It  seemed  at 
this  time,  as  if  a  spirit  of  intoxication  or  abandonment 
had  been  poured  out  over  the  community.  Young 
folks  began  to  be  light-minded  and  giddy  beyond 
measure,  as  was  shown  by  their  laughing  and  jesting 
and  naughty  jumping  about.  One  young  man  threw 
another  to  the  ground ;  then  they  wrestled  to  hold 
each  other  down  until  they  had  so  exhausted  them- 
selves that  they  could  no  longer  get  their  breath.  And 
what  was  still  worse, — but  this  is  too  bad  to  tell 
.  .  .  .  I  said,  "  Such  foolish  lightmindedness  I 
have  never  seen  in  all  my  days  at  any  guardroom 
among  the  soldiers." 

This  is  one  of  the  fruits  of  their  celebrated  church 
discipline ;  yes,  one  of  the  fruits  of  the  perfectly  natu- 
ral and  free  manner  of  life,  from  which  all  piety  has 
been  removed,  of  which  they  have  spoken  so  often  in 
their  public  meetings,  saying  they  would  not  stop  un- 
til they  had  rooted  every  vestige  of  sanctimoniousness 
out  of  the  church,  root  and  branch.  They  would  have 
an  entirely  natural  manner  of  living. 

Want  of  simplicity  was,  however,  by  no  means 
Frey's  only  charge.  He  likewise  accused  the  Mora- 
vians of  insincerity  and  of  being  foolishly  conceited 
as  regards  their  religious  condition.  A  few  para- 
graphs of  this  will  be  in  place. 

The  Count  once  said  here  in  Pennsylvania,  that  the 
apostle  Paul  had  complained  that  he  had  no  one  who 
was  exactly  of  his  mind  except  Timothy.  He,  how- 
ever, could  say  that  he  had  at  least  twenty-four  breth- 
ren who  were  completely  of  one  opinion  with  him. 
Who  knows  how  many  there  are  now !  He  also  set 
his  church  far  above  the  early  Christians.  I  once 
heard  one  of  his  workmen  say,  "  Papa  is  such  a  man 
that  I  do  not  know  whether  there  has  ever  been  an- 


238 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


othor  such  a  duc  in  the  world  before  him."  If  the 
niKistlo  i'aul  slioiild,  however,  come  into  the  church, 
he  would  lool<  at  them  with  astonislnnent  in  compari- 
son witli  tlie  cluirch  of  his  time. 

I  was  once  talkinp^  with  a  great  scholar  named 
Lieberkiihn  al)out  King  David,  and  remarked  what  a 
hero  of  faith  he  had  been.  He  laughed  and  said, 
"  David  may  have  been  a  pious  man  according  to  the 
law  and  may  have  had  many  fine  things  in  his  head, 
l)ut  he  had  notliing  in  his  heart.  A  humble  brother 
who  goes  to  the  Lord's  supper  would  be  far  above 
Davicl."  When  all  the  brethren  agree  in  their  drunken 
delirium,  then  it  is  easy  to  imagine  that  it  does  not 
cost  them  much  to  exalt  their  afifairs  and  recollections 
above  the  things  of  the  Bible,  in  their  drunkenness. 
Because  I  regarded  your  action  according  to  my  un- 
derstanding before  the  action  of  mad  men,  it  is  no 
wonder  that  they  consider  me  as  a  fantasy. 

I  knew  a  brother  who  in  early  life  had  an  awaken- 
ing, and  for  a  long  time  acknowledged  it  as  such  un- 
der the  correcting  hand  of  mercy.  When  he  would 
occasionally  make  a  mistake,  either  in  word  or  deed, 
he  would  feel  himself  accused  by  the  sentinel  of  chas- 
tising grace.  When  the  workmen  then  asked  him  as 
to  the  condition  of  his  heart,  he  made  known  to  them 
his  condition.  He  said  he  was  often  in  prayer  to  the 
Lord.  On  this  account  he  felt  a  sense  of  chiding  and 
uneasiness  in  his  mind.  His  workmen  gave  him  this 
advice,  that  he  should  not  admit  any  thoughts  about 
anything,  no  matter  what.  This  poor  man  followed 
the  advice  of  his  laborers  and  in  a  short  time  came 
into  such  a  false  state  of  freedom  and  security,  that 
he  appeared  as  wanton  and  saucy  as  if  he  were  crazy. 
He  went  about  saying  that  the  Bible  was  a  book  of 
pietism,  and  that  he  had  plagued  himself  long  enough 
with  it.  If  he  only  would  never  have  to  see  it  again, 
he  would  be  as  happy  as  the  seraphim. 

239 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

In  summarizing  he  makes  some  vigorous  state- 
ments. 

I  think  that  all  that  I  have  related  up  to  this  time 
is  sufficient  ground  for  me  to  say  that  this  is  the  most 
godless  sect  that  has  appeared  upon  the  earth  since 
the  time  of  the  apostles.  This  statement  Joseph  Mul- 
ler  received  from  me  with  very  great  disfavor,  and 
reported  it  again  to  those  who  had  sent  him  to  me 
from  time  to  time,  in  order  to  learn  how  I  was  dis- 
posed towards  them.  He  was  the  most  suitable  for 
this  office  because  he  had  been  my  steward. 

I  had  now  learned  to  know  the  church  sufficiently 
well.  Its  beautiful  mantle  of  the  sufiferings  of  Christ 
was  too  narrow  and  too  short  to  cover  this  beautiful 
child,  because  the  conspicuous  stature  of  the  Lamb 
had  been  lost,  and  besides  the  dragon  mouth  had  been 
opened  wide  against  God,  to  the  slander  of  his  name 
and  of  his  charge  (namely  the  hearts  of  true  believ- 
ers) and  those  that  already  dwell  in  heaven.  For 
Christ  says,  "  lie  who  despises  you,  despises  me,  and 
he  who  despises  me,  despises  him  that  sent  me." 

Some  time  after  the  book  was  printed  a  rumor  got 
abroad  that  Frey  had  repented  of  his  having  written 
it.  He  promptly  assured  the  public,  however,  that  this 
was  not  so.  In  the  issue  of  Sower's  newspaper  for 
April  20,  1750,  he  wrote: 

Ah  me !  When  I  was  very  ill,  so  that  all  present 
thought  I  should  soon  die,  I  experienced  a  feeling  of 
joy  in  my  heart  that  I  had  steadfastly  refused  any 

recantation   against  this   religious  fraud  

And  I  say  in  truth  before  the  Lord  that  it  has  never 
come  into  my  mind  to  recall  what  I  have  written. 


240 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Alexander  Mack,  Jr. 
The  second  Alexander  Mack  was  the  youngest  son  of 
the  organizer  of  the  Brethren  church,  and  was  a 
worthy  namesake  of  his  illustrious  father.  Into  his 
hands  came  much  of  the  responsihility  of  carrying  for- 
ward the  work  his  father  had  started.  And  hecausc 
of  the  fidelity  with  which  he  conducted  it,  his  name 
deserves  to  be  recorded  along  with  that  of  his  great 
ancestor. 

He  was  born  at  Schwarzenau  in  1712,  less  than 
four  years  after  the  church  had  been  organized.  Thus 
from  infancy  he  was  brought  up,  as  it  were,  in  the 
church.  When  the  Schwarzenau  congregation  had  to 
flee  the  country  in  1720,  because  of  persecution,  he,  as 
an  eight-year-old  boy.  accompanied  his  parents  into 
West  Friesland.  In  this  country  and  in  Holland  the 
exiles  remain  nine  years.  Persecutions  continued,  how- 
ever, to  drive  them  from  place  to  place.  During  this 
period  he  joined  the  church.  According  to  Elder  James 
Ouinter^  he  was  baptized  in  his  seventeenth  year. 
This  being  so,  1728  is  the  year  that  marks  the  be- 
ginning of  his  Christian  life.  The  church  at  this  time 
was  sojourning  in  Holland.  So  it  is  not  true  that 
Alexander  ATack,  Jr.,  joined  the  church  in  German- 
town,  as  the  statements  have  usually  had  it. 

When  the  original  Schwarzenau  congregation,  in 
order  to  rid  themselves  of  the  continual  old-world 
persecutions,  decided  in  1729  to  try  their  fortune  in 
the  American  wilderness.  Alexander  Mack  the  second 


'  Memoir  of  Alexander  Mack. 

241 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


was  one  of  the  number  who  came.  For  the  next  six 
years  his  father  was  at  the  head  of  the  church  in  this 
country  and  was  presiding  elder  of  the  Germantown 
congregation.  During  all  this  time  young  Mack  was 
very  closely  associated  with  his  father,  and  enjoyed 
the  unusual  advantages  of  his  conversation  and  wise 
counsel. 

The  death  of  his  father  in  1735  cast  a  deep  gloom 
over  the  young  man.  His  spirit  became  restless.  The 
mystical  intluences  with  which  he  had  been  surrounded 
all  his  life  were  beginning  to  exercise  their  power 
over  him.  The  prudent  counsel  of  his  father  was  now 
wanting. 

Stephen  Koch  was  at  this  time  in  the  flood-tide  of 
his  ecstatic  dreams  and  visions.  He  told  some  of 
them  to  Alexander  Mack.  This  only  increased  his 
spiritual  unrest.  He  and  Koch  became  intimate 
friends.  This  friendship  brought  Mack  into  close 
association  with  Henry  Hoecker,  John  Riesmann  and 
others  strongly  tainted  with  mysticism.  By  their  in- 
tercourse with  one  another  they  simply  confirmed  each 
other  in  their  common  vagaries  and  religious  excesses. 

In  1737  these  four  enthusiasts,  with  perhaps  another 
or  two,  erected  a  small  house  about  a  mile  from  Ger- 
mantown, where  they  established  themselves  as  her- 
mits. Here  they  gave  themselves  to  prayer,  fasting 
and  meditation.  Koch  continued  to  have  his  ecstatic 
visions,  and  the  rest  were  in  close  mental  and  spiritual 
affinity  with  him.  This  was  of  course  a  decisive  step 
in  the  direction  of  Ephrata,  and  we  are  not  surprised 

242 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


tliat  ill  the  spring  of  the  next  year  most  of  tlie  com- 
pany joined  the  mystic  Hrt)therh<K)(l  on  the  hanks  of 
the  Cocahco. 

But  these  were  clays  of  turmoil  at  I'.plirata.  The" 
solitary  Hretliren  were  ciuarrelint,'  and  I)ickering 
among  themselves.  Heissel  was  still  at  the  head  of 
affairs,  but  Israel  Eckerling  was  trying  to  oust  him 
and  secure  the  reins  of  government  in  his  own  hands. 
The  controversy  waxed  bitter,  and  spread  until  nearly 
all  the  cloisteritcs  were  arrayed  on  one  side  or  the 
other.    Mack  took  the  side  of  Eckerling. 

It  w-ould  not  seem  that  this  was  a  state  of  aflfairs 
well  suited  to  promote  religious  contemplation  or  the 
growth  of  spirituality.  Yet  these  were  the  avowed  ob- 
jects of  the  comnnmity.  It  is  not  to  be  presumed 
that  Mack  found  here  the  religious  consolation  that 
his  soul  craved.  He  was  restless  and  discontented. 
He  participated  in  the  religious  extravagancies  by 
which  he  was  surrounded  to  the  full,  but  this  indi- 
cates, I  think,  rather  his  unsettled  condition  than  any 
real  interest  in  what  he  did.  His  soul  had  lost  its 
anchor  and  he  had  not  yet  found  a  sure  footing. 

In  1744  the  controversy  had  become  so  bitter  that 
Eckerling  decided  to  leave  Ephrata  foi  a  time,  hoping 
that  by  so  doing  a  reaction  might  set  m  in  his  favor 
during  his  absence.  Accompanied  by  Alexander  Mack 
and  one  or  two  others  he  started  eastward,  passing 
through  Amwell,  New  Jersey,  to  Brunswick  on  the 
Atlantic.  Here  they  took  boat  for  Rhode  Island. 
Thence  they  passed  through  Connecticut  to  New 
York ;  from  there  back  to  Ephrata. 

243 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


They  were  gone  several  months,  and  preached  at 
every  place  they  stopped.  They  were  generally  re- 
ceived with  kindness  and  hospitably  treated,  although 
on  several  occasions  they  were  taken  for  Spanish 
friars  and  came  near  being  thrown  into  prison.  This 
was  the  case  in  New  York.  They  escaped  prosecution 
only  by  the  chance  that  the  magistrate,  before  whom 
they  were  brought  on  a  charge  of  disturbing  the  peace, 
happened  to  know  one  of  the  party  and  so  discharged 
them. 

A  short  time  after  their  return  to  Ephrata  the  old 
feud  broke  out  again  with  redoubled  ardor,  and  Beis- 
sel  succeeded  in  having  an  act  of  banishment  passed 
upon  Eckerling.  This  brought  matters  to  a  crisis, 
and  Eckerling  decided  to  leave  Ephrata  forever.  He 
plunged  into  the  frontier  forests  and  traveled  to  the 
southwest  four  hundred  miles.  Here  on  the  banks  of 
the  Great  Kanawha  in  West  Virginia  he  built  a  cabin 
and  made  his  abode. 

These  facts  would  perhaps  not  call  for  record  here 
were  it  not  for  the  fact  that  in  this  wild  exploit  he 
was  again  accompanied  by  Alexander  Mack.  Ecker- 
ling's  brother  Samuel  was  also  of  the  party.  They 
left  Ephrata  in  September,  1745.  They  lived  in  the 
forest  a  number  of  years.  The  fate  of  the  Eckerlings 
is  not  certain.  It  has  generally  been  thought  that 
they  were  murdered  by  the  Indians  during  the  French 
and  Indian  War.  Another  account  has  it  that  they 
were  captured  by  the  French  in  this  war  and  carried 
off  to  Canada,  whence  they  were  later  transported  to 
France.    No  matter.    They  are  chiefly  of  interest 

244 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


to  us  here  as  cxanipKs  of  the  religious  excesses  to 
which  so  many  people  of  their  time  gave  way. 

Alexander  Mack  does  not  sceni  to  have  remained 
with  the  company  very  long.  His  frontier  experiences 
soon  hrought  him  to  his  senses.  How  long  he  re- 
mained in  the  forest  we  have  no  way  of  knowing. 
But  in  1748  he  was  hack  in  Germantown  again,  a 
mcmher  of  the  Brethren  church,  and  enjoying  the 
full  confidence  of  tlie  congregation.  This  is  shown 
by  the  fact  that  on  the  7th  of  June  in  this  year  he  was 
elected  to  the  Christian  ministry  and  given  the  over- 
sight of  the  congregation.  Christopher  Sower,  Jr., 
was  elected  at  the  same  time  and  associated  with  him 
in  this  office.  Such  weighty  responsibilities  would 
not  have  been  entrusted  to  anyone  who  had  not  given 
evidence  of  his  trustworthiness.  So  it  is  probable  that 
his  stay  with  the  Eckerlings  in  the  Great  Kanawha 
Valley  was  of  very  short  duration. 

After  some  eight  years  of  religious  excesses  that  are 
almost  unusual  for  their  extravagance,  young  !Mack 
once  more  came  to  himself,  and  his  storm-tossed  soul 
found  peace  and  comfort  in  the  religion  of  his  father. 
He  again  came  to  his  own  and  his  own  received  him 
gladly.  Now  began  a  life  of  usefulness  to  the  church 
and  to  the  cause  of  Christ  that  compares  favorably 
with  those  of  the  greatest  leaders  in  the  early  years 
of  our  history. 

Shortly  after  being  called  to  the  ministry  he  mar- 
ried. Thus  an  additional  steadying  and  supporting 
power  came  into  his  life.  His  wife  was  Elizabeth 
Nice.   She  had  also  been  at  Ephrata  for  a  short  time, 

245 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


but  seems  to  have  left  in  disgust.  The  marriage  was 
celebrated  on  New  Year's  day,  1749.  Christopher 
Sower,  who  was  now  Mack's  colaborer  in  the  German- 
town  church,  performed  the  ceremony. 

Under  the  direction  of  these  two  talented  young 
ministers  the  church  at  Germantown  flourished.  In 
addition  to  the  regular  preaching  service,  there  was 
an  afternoon  meeting  for  the  young  people.  Out  of 
this  developed  the  Sunday  school.  These  meetings 
from  which  it  developed  were  conducted  by  the  Breth- 
ren at  Germantown  fully  forty  years  before  Robert 
Raikes  organized  the  first  Sabbath  school  in  England. 

So  successful  was  the  work  of  Mack  and  Sower  that 
on  June  10,  1753,  they  were  both  ordained  to  the 
eldership.  They  were  close  personal  friends,  and 
were  deeply  interested  in  the  work  of  the  church.  They 
planned  their  work  together,  and  each  gave  a  good 
proportion  of  his  time  to  advancing  the  borders  of 
Zion. 

Mack  was  a  man  of  fine  physique,  not  very  large 
but  well  proportioned  and  athletic.  He  was  a  vigor- 
ous, active  man,  both  physically  and  mentally.  He 
lived  more  than  ninety  years ;  and  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
two,  is  said  to  have  walked  ten  miles  in  one  day. 

By  trade  he  was  a  weaver.  He  was  also  interested 
in  some  of  the  factories  connected  with  the  Sower 
printing  establishment.  About  1770  the  second  Chris- 
topher Sower  added  to  his  equipment  a  type  foundry. 
Alexander  Mack  may  have  had  a  financial  interest 
in  this.  At  least  he  was  so  elated  at  the  success  at- 
tained in  casting  type  that  he  composed  a  poem  of  a 

246 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


hundred  stanzas  in  commemoration  of  the  event. 

It  was  entitled  Reim-Ccdicht  fur  die  Licbc  Jui^cnd. 
The  celebration  of  youlii  in  this  poem  may  indicate 
that  the  young  sons  of  C'hristopher  Sower  were  also 
interested  in  the  enterprise.  The  poem  was  i)ublished 
in  the  Gcistliclics  Magacicn,  Vol.  II,  No.  12.  At  the 
close  this  statement  appears:  Gcdruckt  init  dcr 
crstcn  Schrift  die  jciiials  in  America  gei^osscn  ivor- 
den.  (  Printed  with  the  first  type  ever  cast  in  Amer- 
ica.) This  statement  ought  to  settle  forever  the  con- 
troverted question  as  to  when  the  Sowers  began  to 
make  their  own  type. 

Alexander  Mack  was  a  fluent  writer.  He  wrote 
extensively  in  both  prose  and  verse.  He  is  the  most 
distinctly  literary  man  in  the  Dunker  church  before 
the  Revolution.  The  pen  was  his  natural  medium  of 
expression.  He  carried  on  an  extensive  correspond- 
ence, and  many  of  his  letters  are  still  in  existence. 
They  breathe  a  noble,  charitable  spirit  that  reveals  at 
once  the  godly  life  and  the  manly  character  of  the  man 
who  wrote  them. 

Passing  by  the  letters  and  the  more  fugitive  pieces, 
I  can  now  only  speak  of  the  more  important  of  his 
literary  works.  About  1760  there  appeared  from  the 
Sower  press  a  work  from  his  pen  entitled:  Eine  An- 
viutliige  Erinnening  zu  einer  Christlichcn  Betrachtung 
von  dcr  Wtindcrharen  Allgegcmvart  des  Alkcissenden 
Gottcs.  This  tract  on  "  A  kind  Admonition  to  a  Chris- 
tian Consideration  of  the  wonderful  Omnipresence  of 
the  Omniscient  God  "  contained  seven  octavo  pages. 
It  bears  Sower's  imprint  but  no  date.     It  may,  there- 

247 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


fore,  have  appeared  a  little  later  than  the  assigned 
date. 

He  made  several  contributions  to  Sower's  Gcist- 
liches  Magasien.  Numbers  34  and  36  are  filled  with 
poems  from  his  pen.  The  latter  number  contains  a 
single  poem  of  440  lines  divided  into  eight-line  stan- 
zas. It  is  entitled,  Warnung  vor  Selbst-Mord,  und 
Wichtigkeit  dcr  Lchens-Frist.  An  imperfect  transla- 
tion of  some  of  the  stanzas  follows.^ 

The  waters  in  the  sea 
Can  nowhere  be  confined; 
They  run  and  ebb  and  flow 
The  abysmal  depths  to  find. 
The  currents  hasten  forth, 
Press  to  their  destined  goal, 
Just  as  the  Lord  directs 
They  obey  his  every  word. 

The  spring  and  harvest  time, 
The  summer  and  the  winter 
And  the  elemental  strife 
Still  follow  the  poor  sinner. 
Oh!  Oh!  the  brief,  brief  time 
Grows  shorter  day  by  day. 
Drives  us  into  the  grave 
And  into  eternity. 

We  are  hurled  out  of  time, 
Like  lively  water  jets, 
Into  the  eternal  sea. 
Where  we  must  ever  be. 
O  sinner,  only  think, 
Fall  down  before  your  God 


»  From  copy  in  the  library  of  the  German  Society  of  Penn- 
sylvania. 

248 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


In  faith  and  penitence 
While  yet  time  is  allowed. 

The  llowcrs  of  many  kinds, 
Tile  plants  of  dale  and  lield, 
The  withered  herb  and  grass, 
The  foliage  from  the  wood — 
These  all  at  once  proclaim 
Of  the  eternal  past 
And  of  the  too  short  time 
For  an  important  choice. 

He  whom  God's  counsels  please, 
Who  loves  God's  holy  ways. 
Will  in  life's  pilgrimage 
Be  trained  in  many  ways. 
God's  covenant  of  grace 
Brings  copiously  again, 
In  every  separate  hour, 
Life's  misery  and  pain. 

He  who  lays  hold  on  God 
In  faith  and  bonds  of  love, 
O'ercomes  his  every  trial 
With  blessings  from  above. 
The  death  of  saintly  men 
Is  worth  our  note,  whereby 
They  enter  into  rest 
To  God's  eternal  joy. 

When  now  a  child  of  man, 
In  this  brief  course  of  life, 
Bethinks  himself  to  whom 
His  service  he  will  give, 
To  God  or  the  Enemy; 
Then  numbered  are  the  days 
Appointed  by  his  Friend 
For  this  important  choice. 

249 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


Likewise  he  who  serves 
The  Fiend  with  every  power 
And  fails  to  reconcile 
Himself  in  time  to  God; 
Of  him  God  wants  repentance 
And  gives  him  time  thereto, 
That  he  may  yet  do  penance 
Before  he's  lost  for  aye. 

But  he  who  penance  does 
And  struggles  with  his  sin, 
Him  God  himself  makes  strong 
That  he  may  finally  win, 
Shows  him  the  honored  crown 
And  so  draws  out  the  time 
That  he  in  contest  dire 
This  jewel  bright  may  win. 

Therefore  we  should  regard 
Time  highly  to  be  prized; 
Ah,  that  which  God  provides 
Should  never  be  despised. 
Who  can  unto  himself 
A  single  week  procure? 
My  friend,  accept  in  love 
What  God  provides  for  you. 

Ah,  many  a  year  has  passed 
And  many  a  day  has  flown, 
And  yet  your  mind  and  heart 
True  happiness  has  not  known. 
Say,  "  I  have  basely  sought. 
And  yet  'tis  worthy  of  note 
That  God  still  grants  me  time 
To  bring  forth  better  fruit." 

Who  would  with  his  own  hand 
Cut  short  the  fleeting  time. 
And  hurl  himself  with  shame 
250 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Into  clcriial  ruin. 

While  tin-  trusty  hand  (if  God 

Is  still  strctclu'd  (Mit  to  him 

And  the  span  of  life 

Is  graciously  extended? 

True,  often  does  the  i)rospect 
Seem  ilark  in  this  poor  world; 
But  he  who  gave  new  life 
In  the  house  of  mourning, 
He,  by  his  hand,  which  holds 
And  bears  and  moves  all  things, 
Can  also  lightly  change 
Our  every  condition. 

How  often  does  it  happen. 
He  who  complains  at  even 
And  cannot  understand 
The  Misery  which  grieves  him, 
Soon  finds  himself  recovered, 
Feels  joy  and  happiness 
In  the  early  morning  hour 
Come  back  into  his  breast? 

If  'tis  not  always  thus 
Can  here  not  long  avail; 
The  saddest  prophet  said, 
"  Need  must  devour  need. 
Day  drives  away  the  night, 
Night  drives  away  the  day." 
So  is  it  with  our  trouble. 
And  that  which  makes  us  sad. 

He  who  has  learned  to  mourn 
Shall  truest  joys  embrace, 
Which  always  shield  us  from 
The  pitch  and  sulphurous  lake. 
O  royal  blest  today! 
O  noble  time  of  grief! 

251 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

Prophet  of  eternity, 

Joys  untarnished  follow  thee. 

Who  would  so  foolish  be 
As  not  to  trust  his  God, 
But  build  upon  the  empty  void 
Of  his  worst  enemy, 
Who'll  hurl  into  perdition 
This  old  deluded  world 
And  hold  his  opposition 
In  bonds  of  slavery? 

Therefore  take  courage  new 
Ye  grief-beriddcn  souls; 
Through  blood  of  Christ  proclaim 
A  victory  you  attain. 
May  you  as  conquerors  stand. 
Give  God  alone  the  praise, 
Obey  his  holy  Word 
And  seek  the  fatherland. 

Ten  years  after  the  destruction  of  the  Sower  print- 
ing-press, two  works  from  the  pen  of  Alexander  Mack 
were  printed  at  Ephrata.  Anhang  zum  widerlcgten 
unedertanfer,  or  Appendix  to  the  Refttted  Anabap- 
tists, was  a  small  work  and  probably  appeared  early 
in  the  year  1788.  As  if  dissatisfied  with  his  effort 
Mack  set  about  more  resolutely  and  prepared  his 
now  famous  defense  of  the  principles  and  ordinances 
of  the  church,  which  he  entitled  Apologia,  or  Scrip- 
tural Ansivers  to  certain  Truths,  etc. 

This  work  was  published  at  the  expense  of  the 
church,  as  the  imprint  states,  from  which  fact  we 
may  infer  that  it  was  fully  endorsed  by  that  body  as 
a  sound  exposition  of  her  principles.   It  is  undoubted- 

252 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


ly  the  ;il)li'st  dofoiiso  of  the  doclriiu's  of  tlio  church 
that  appcarcxl  before  the  bej^imiing  of  the  nineteenth 
century.  Tlic  vohiine  contains  seventy-one  large 
octavo  pages,  I)eautifully  iiriiUcd.  The  argument  is 
carried  on  by  means  of  a  conversation  between  a  fa- 
ther and  son,  a  common  expedient  among  the  early 
writers  of  tlie  church. 

A  paragraph  can  give  a  very  imperfect  idea  of  its 
style  or  its  masterly  argument,  but  this  is  all  I  can 
quote  here.  It  will  give  some  idea  at  least  of  the  au- 
thor's power  to  strip  a  subject  of  all  sophistry  and 
strike  right  at  the  heart  of  the  matter.* 

That  the  dear  friend  has  taken  great  pains  to  estab- 
lish his  pet  doctrine  of  infant  baptism  upon  several 
precepts  in  the  holy  Bible  is  easy  to  be  seen  in  his 
whole  discourse,  I  admit,  and  has  awaked  in  me,  as 
was  natural,  a  holy  reverence  for  the  sacred  Word  of 
the  Lord  our  God.  Meanwhile  the  lovers  of  Jesus 
honor  the  straiglit  and  narrow  way  upon  which  the 
Master  himself  has  traveled.  The  laws  of  their  God 
are  dear  and  precious  to  them,  because  they  know  that 
the  Lord  himself  has  established  them  forever,  Psa. 
119:  152.  When  shrewd  people  wish  to  found  other 
practices  and  rites  upon  the  Bible,  they  will  find  no 
place  where  they  can  erect  them.  If  they  search  with 
their  acute  intellects  through  the  evidences  of  the 
Bible,  they  can  find  no  trace  of  such  teaching  in  it.  If 
one  wishes  to  read  something  on  the  subject  of  infant 
baptism,  he  is  compelled  to  open  the  work  of  some 
shrew'd  man.  If  he  closes  this  and  turns  to  the  Bible 
he  finds  nothing  there ;  and  when  someone  half  quotes 
a  Bible  passage,  by  which  he  hopes  to  give  his  idea 


'  From  a  copy  in  the  library  of  the  Historical  Society  of 
Pennsylvania. 

253 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


an  appearance  of  probability,  the  anabaptists  open 
their  Bibles  and  together  they  find  just  the  opposite  of 
the  meaning  which  was  sought  to  be  wrested  from  it. 
It  appears  very  unreasonable  then  to  a  lover  of  truth, 
that  anyone  should  thus  misconstrue  God's  Word.  If 
a  so-called  anabaptist  should  say,  the  baptism  of  Christ 
avails  nothing  at  all,  they  woukl  think,  good  God  have 
mercy  on  him  and  his  teachings  that  he  may  be  con- 
verted so  that  he  may  be  delivered. 

During  the  same  year  in  which  the  two  last  named 
works  were  issued  at  Ephrata,  Peter  Leibert  at  Ger- 
mantown  printed  a  little  volume  of  poetry  by  several 
authors,  one  of  whom*  was  Alexander  Mack.  The 
work  was  entitled,  Eiliche  Licbliche  und  erbauliche 
Liedcr:  Von  dcr  Hcniiclikeit  und  Ehrc  Christi.  Von 
dcr  Starken  und  Machtigcn  Liche  Christi.  German- 
town  Gedruckt  bey  Peter  Leibert,  1788. 

Following  is  one  of  the  poems  by  Mack  rendered 
almost  literally.  Of  course  it  loses  immeasurably  in 
the  translation. 

Closing  Song} 

Jesus  Christ,  God's  holy  Son, 

To  thee  be  praise  and  honor  given! 

Thou  who  sitt'st  upon  the  throne 
Round  which  myriad  angels  hover, 

Whose  holy  guard  by  thousands  told 

Are  multiplied  ten  thousand  fold. 

Holy  Lord,  bless  thou  the  church 
Which  has  prospered  through  thy  blood; 

Consecrate  us  to  thy  Word 
Since  for  us  thyself  hast  died; 


>  Volume  in  library  of  Historical  Society  of  Pennsylvania. 


254 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 

Thou  liast  us  so  much  esteemed, 
Thou'st  numbered  us  witli  the  redeemed. 

Lord,  heed  thou  the  call  and  station 

Of  thy  lambs,  thy  members  true; 
Learn  to  know  them  truly,  fully, 

And  collect  them  soon  anew; 
By  the  power  of  tliy  will 
Strengthen  them  with  knightly  skill. 

Lord,  raise  thou  thy  holy  brow 

Give  to  us  thy  blessed  peace 
May  the  light  of  thy  dear  eye 

Shine  forever  in  our  midst. 
Lead  thy  lambkins  Iiy  thy  side. 
Be  their  constant  shield  and  guide. 

Peter  Leibert  printed  an  edition  of  Der  Kleine 
Kcmpis  in  1795.  This  was  a  popular  book,  having 
been  issued  several  times  before  this  by  the  Sower 
press.  Leibert's  edition  differed  from  its  predecessors, 
however,  in  that  it  contained  a  collection  of  poems  at 
the  end.  The  volume  contains  180  pages,  the  last  35 
of  which  are  given  to  the  poems.  Among  them  are 
at  least  two  by  Alexander  Mack.  The  substance  of 
one  of  them  follows.^ 

1.  A  soul  that  loves  the  Lord  its  God,  finds  sorrow  in 
this  world:  and  what  it  loves  aside  from  Christ,  brings 
misery  and  woe.  Therefore  Jesus  calls  to  you,  "  Come,  in 
me  is  joy  and  peace." 

2.  "  I  have  overcome  the  world,"  Jesus  says  consolingly; 
"  have  put  in  chains  your  strongest  foe  by  the  glory  of  my 
might."  Therefore  calls  he  ever  and  ever,  "  Precious  souls, 
come  unto  me." 


'  Copy  in  the  library  of  Bridgewater  College. 

255 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


3.  Wealth  and  riches,  let  them  lie,  wheresoe'er  they 
chance  to  be;  seek  thou  only  joys  eternal,  where  worldly 
pleasures  are  no  more.  My  advice  brings  wealth  in  God, 
likewise,  too,  the  devil's  scorn. 

4.  True,  the  world  says,  "  Jesus'  teaching  is  not  so  to  be 
construed,  that  one  is  under  obligation  in  all  things  to  fol- 
low,"— In  poverty  especially,  this  would  be  too  won- 
derful. 

5.  But  Christ  Jesus  knows  his  own,  he  is  near  akin  to 
them;  where  they  seem  entirely  lost,  is  he  apt  to  appear 
to  them,  like  the  good  and  faithful  shepherd  to  his  lambs 
that  went  astray. 

6.  All  the  words  of  his  wise  counsel  seem  to  them  like 
sugar' sweet;  their  delight,  their  greatest  joy's  in  the  steps 
of  his  blest  feet.  He's  their  shepherd,  they  are  his,  despite 
what  men  may  counsel  them. 

7.  To  repeat  the  words  of  Christ,  in  his  steps  to  follow 
free,  Jesus'  words  to  trust  alway,  to  the  world  brings  bold 
offense.  But  the  mind  toward  heaven  bent  brings  heaven- 
ly joy  and  content. 

8.  The  lambs  of  Christ  kiss  eagerly  the  feet  of  their 
shepherd  Lord,  precious  all  his  teachings  are,  and  sweet 
as  honey  his  Word.  The  spirit  and  Word  of  Christ  are 
ever  their  freedom  and  law. 

9.  All  the  flowers  that  scent  the  air,  according  to  the 
law  of  God,  give  them  pleasure  abundantly,  because  they 
nourish  them.  They  need  no  other  source  of  strength 
than  Jesus'  spirit  and  power. 

10.  What  pertains  to  Jesus'  love  reeks  of  his  precious 
blood;  what  awakes  a  desire  for  virtue  makes  the  sad 
heart  gay.  What  disturbs  the  realm  of  Satan  is  honored 
evermore. 

A  very  interesting  letter  of  Alexander  Mack's  was 
printed  by  Samuel  Sower  in  Baltimore  in  1799.  The 
letter  is  not  personal  but  was  intended  for  general 
circulation  among  the  churches.    It  treats  of  the  time 

256 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 

for  tlio  ()l)scrvancc  of  tin-  rite  of  fcct-wasliiiif,'  at  the 
lovo-foast.  It  was  written  late  in  life,  ami  is  the  well- 
seasoned  advice  of  an  afjed  veteran  of  the  Cross  upon 
a  topic  then  somewhat  controverted.  The  letter 
hreathes  a  heautilnl  spirit  of  forbearance  and  long- 
sutTering"  and  charity. 

The  first  part  of  the  letter  enumerates  the  evidences 
from  the  various  New  Testament  writers  as  to  the 
time  for  observance.  The  latter  part  is  taken  up  with 
the  fatherly  counsel  of  the  old  patriarch  of  the  church 
as  to  the  best  way  of  trcatin<^  controverted  ques- 
tions. His  advice  is  so  good  that  it  is  well  worth  re- 
peating.* 

It  is  generally  true,  when  a  man  takes  it  into  his 
mind  to  do  something,  and  determines  to  do  it,  that  he 
does  not  care  to  have  it  said,  that  he  disputes  with 
great  wisdom  about  the  shell  of  a  question  but  misses 
the  kernel  entirely.  Therefore,  dear  brethren,  let  us 
all  be  wise,  especially  in  the  consideration  of  feet- 
washing.  Let  us  observe  how  men  should  be  disposed 
towards  great  things :  in  love  and  peace  and  humility 
they  should  submit  to  one  another.  For  Christ  has 
indeed  not  given  any  special  command  when  this  rite 
shall  be  observed,  before  or  after  the  supper ;  but  he 
has  commanded  that  we  shall  observe  it.  and  also  love 
each  other.  Christ  did  not  say,  that  by  washing  of 
feet  or  by  breaking  of  bread  his  disciples  should  be 
recognized,  but  he  said,  "  By  this  shall  every  man 
know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have  love  one  for 
another." 


'  The  letter  was  printed  In  a  volume  containing  Felblnger's 
Christliches  ?Tand-Buchlein  and  Alexander  Mack's  Rites  and 
Ordinances  and  Ground-Searching  Questions.  Copy  In  the 
library  of  Bridgewater  College. 


257 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


0  how  Satan  might  justly  mock  us  if  we  should 
pass  the  time  in  quarreling  with  one  another,  when 
the  ordinance  of  feet-washing  should  be  observed^ 
Love  would  be  destroyed,  yes,  even  the  ordinances  of 
God's  house  would  be  reduced  to  nothingness,  and 
peace  would  be  lost.  This  would  be  exceedingly  pleas- 
ing to  Satan,  and  the  teachings  of  Jesus  would  become 
a  mockery  to  mankind.  Therefore  it  is  of  the  greatest 
importance  that  we  remain  in  love  and  peace,  and  pray 
the  dear  God  for  a  constant  increase  of  wisdom ;  for 
I  can  in  truth  say  this  from  experience,  that  at  first 
we  washed  feet  after  the  meal  and  after  the  breaking 
of  bread,  and  did  it  in  all  blessedness  and  growing 
love ;  later  we  examined  the  Word  more  closely,  and 
then  in  blessedness  washed  feet  after  the  meal  and  be- 
fore the  breaking  of  bread.  After  this,  when  the 
grace  of  the  New  Testament  was  given  to  us  still  more 
fully,  and  a  brother  came  among  us  who  understood 
Greek  and  explained  to  us  in  order  that  Jesus  had 
washed  feet  before  the  meal,  we  acted  upon  our 
greater  light  and  have  ever  since  observed  this  rite 
before  the  supper  is  eaten. 

Now  no  brother  will  blame  us  for  not  beginning 
again  to  restrict  ourselves ;  but  so  long  as  no  one  can 
give  us  better  reasons  for  our  practice,  no  one  will 
censure  us  for  performing  the  rite  as  we  understand  it. 

1  will  also  say  this,  that  if  I  should  come  into  an 
assemblage  of  the  Brethren  who  wished  to  break 
bread,  and  the  leaders  of  the  congregation  did  not  un- 
derstand the  ordinance  otherwise  than  that  the  feet 
should  be  washed  after  the  meal.  I  would  observe  the 
ordinance  with  them  in  love  and  peace.  Afterwards, 
however,  I  would  explain  it  to  them  according  to  the 
Scriptures,  but  would  wait  in  love  and  have  patience 
with  them  until  they  should  likewise  see  it  so ;  for  I 
am  sure,  that  when  we  look  at  the  matter  altogether 
impartially,  and  continue  in  love  and  peace,  we  shall 

258 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


be  able  to  sec  and  tiiulerstand  lliat  it  is  just  as  I  have 
shown  above:  naincly,  that  when  llic  meal  was  j)re- 
parod  Jesus  arose  and  washed  his  diseijiles'  feet,  then 
sat  down  and  ate;  and  durinj^  the  eatiiif^  he  revealed 
the  betrayer,  who  then  went  out.  After  this  Jesus 
first  instituted  the  ordinance  of  breakin-,'  bread,  and 
so  the  Scriptures  show  one  after  another;  l)oth  the 
types  of  the  pious  fathers  before  the  Law  and  also 
everything  under  the  Law  hannonizes  therewith. 

A  person  can  stand  before  God  and  man  with  a  per- 
fectly clear  conscience,  although  he  may  think  that  the 
ordinance  of  feet-washing  sliould  be  observed  imme- 
diately after  the  meal.  1  did  not  venture  to  maintain 
such  a  thing,  in  vicw^  of  the  sensible  meaning  of  the 
Scriptures,  even  though  one  might  do  it  with  difficulty. 
If  the  two  evangelists,  l\L-itthcw  and  Mark,  are  com- 
pared, they  are  found  to  write  the  same  thing.  First, 
Matthew  26 :  26  says,  "  But  as  they  were  eating,  Jesus 
took  bread,  gave  thanks  and  broke  it."  So  wrote  also 
the  evangelist  ALirk,  Chap.  14:  22,  "And  while  they 
were  eating,  Jesus  took  bread  and  gave  thanks  and 
said,  '  Take,  eat,  this  is  my  body.'  "  Now  we  see  here 
very  clearly  that  between  the  eating  of  the  paschal 
lamb  and  the  breaking  of  bread  nothing  at  all  took 
place. 

If  the  feet-washing  had  taken  place  between  these 
two  events,  they  would  certainly  also  have  written 
about  it ;  but  because  it  took  place  before  the  meal  they 
have  not  mentioned  it  but  have  left  it  out.  John,  how- 
ever, has  described  the  fect-washing  and  has,  on  the 
other  hand,  omitted  the  institution  of  the  breaking  of 
bread.  The  Scriptures  require  spiritual  eyes,  mind, 
and  understanding  for  their  interpretation,  otherwise 
people  will  get  from  the  sacred  \\'ord  only  misery  and 
distraction,  if  they  endeavor,  without  true  enlighten- 
ment, to  construe  the  language  literally  at  one  place, 
and  at  another  place  do  just  the  reverse. 

259 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren. 


Therefore,  dear  brethren,  let  us  watch  and  be  pru- 
dent ;  and  above  all  things,  let  us  maintain  charity  as 
one  guards  the  apple  of  his  eye.  For  the  spirit  of 
wisdom  points  out  in  the  first  epistle  of  John,  Chap. 
2:  10,  that  he  who  loves  his  brother  remains  in  the 
light,  and  there  is  no  offense  in  him.  Likewise  also 
the  good  God,  who  is  pure,  impartial  love,  he  is  will- 
ing and  able  to  restore,  time  and  again,  what  may  be 
wanting  in  our  knowledge  of  this  or  that.  Now  I 
close,  and  pray  all  the  Brethren  once  more  to  have 
forbearance,  and  consider  all  such  questions  in  love 
aiul  with  a  quiet  spirit ;  I  am  then  your  humble 
brother,  Alexander  Mack. 

Clirtsiophcr  SoTVcr,  Jr. 

Reference  has  already  been  made  to  Christopher 
Sower  the  Second  in  connection  with  the  Sower  pub- 
lishing interests.  We  have  seen  that  as  a  publisher 
his  career  was  conspicuous  and  eminently  successful, 
and  that  his  plant  at  Germantown  was  the  most  com- 
plete and  influential  German  printing  establishment 
in  colonial  America. 

His  nature  was  too  large,  however,  to  be  limited  to 
one  kind  df  interest.  He  was  not  only  a  very  success- 
ful business  man,  but  his  public  spirit  led  him  into 
various  kinds  of  public  enterprises.  The  cause  of 
education  found  in  him  a  powerful  patron.  He  was 
also  interested  in  securing  good  roads,  paving  streets, 
and  providing  asylums  for  the  indigent  and  afflicted. 
Moreover  he  was  elder  of  a  church  and  pastor  of  the 
Germantown  congregation.  He  touched  life  at  many 
points,  and  always  in  a  way  to  leave  it  the  better  for 
the  contact. 


260 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Sower  was  horn  in  1721,  on  tho  26th  of  September, 
in  the  littk-  town  of  Laasphc  in  Wittgenstein,  whence 
his  fatlicr  niij^rated  to  this  country  tlirec  years  later. 
After  si)eiulint;;  two  winters  in  ( ierniantown,  we  have 
seen  him  accompany  his  fatlier  and  mother  to  the 
Miihlbach  valley  in  the  sprint^  of  1726.  And  five  years 
later  we  have  seen  him  return  with  his  father  to 
Germantown. 

Little  Sower  was  now  in  his  tenth  year,  and  he 
must  go  to  school.  There  were  several  good  German 
schools  in  Germantown,  and  his  father  chose  for  him 
the  one  kept  by  the  somewhat  whimsical  pedagogue, 
Christopher  Dock.  Dock  was  a  man  of  original 
ideas.  He  was  also  an  honest,  sincere  soul,  and  his 
pious  manner  of  life  would  be  a  wholesome  example 
for  any  boy.  He  was  also  a  man  of  splendid  intel- 
ligence and  good  scholastic  attainments. 

In  this  school  Sower  laid  the  foundation  for  broad 
culture  and  sound  scholarship.  He  imbibed  a  genuine 
love  for  knowledge,  which  made  him  a  student  all  his 
life.  He  absorbed  the  best  culture  that  the  best  Ger- 
man schools  of  Pennsylvania  could  provide.  But  he 
did  not  stop  with  this.  He  also  made  himself  master 
of  English.  He  became  a  good  English  scholar,  and 
after  awhile  his  father  placed  the  English  department 
of  the  publishing  work  into  his  hands. 

As  a  youth  Sower  attended  the  services  of  the 
Brethren  church  in  Germantown.  Here  at  the  age  of 
fifteen  his  tender  heart  was  touched  by  the  finger  of 
God's  love  and  he  gave  himself  to  the  Master.  He 
was  baptized  on  the  24th  of  February,  1737.    He  at 

261 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

once  became  zealous  in  the  work  of  the  church.  In 
1747,  having  now  grown  to  manhood,  he  was  elected 
to  the  deacon's  office.  A  year  later  he  was  elected  to 
the  ministry,  and  together  with  Alexander  Mack,  Jr., 
was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Germantown  congrega- 
tion.   In  1753  he  was  ordained  to  the  eldership. 

Now  began  a  career  of  renowned  service  for  the 
church  of  the  German  Baptists.  In  the  ministry  Sow- 
er soon  showed  himself  to  be  a  power.  His  well- 
trained  mind,  his  equable  disposition  and  his  heart 
filled  with  love  for  all  mankind  soon  left  their  impress 
upon  those  who  came  to  hear  him.  He  was  an  in- 
teresting and  forcible  speaker,  and  was  possessed  of  a 
natural  grace  and  dignity  of  bearing  that  made  him  a 
conspicuous  figure  in  any  assembly.  He  stood  out 
boldly  for  the  principles  of  the  Dunker  faith  and 
wherever  he  went  he  made  these  principles  understood 
and  respected. 

He  was  a  conspicuous  figure  in  the  councils  of 
the  church.  He  often  attended  the  Annual  Confer- 
ences and  took  an  active  interest  in  shaping  the  poli- 
cies of  the  church.  He  was  repeatedly  appointed  on 
important  committees  to  settle  difficulties,  ordain  eld- 
ers, and  the  like. 

The  church  at  that  time  pursued  a  liberal  policy  and 
carried  on  an  aggressive  work.  The  missionary  spirit 
was  active ;  new  churches  were  established,  and  old 
ones  built  up.  In  all  this  work  Elder  Sower  was  a 
controlling  and  guiding  figure.  He  was  in  his  day  the 
most  prominent  and  influential  member  of  the  church, 

262 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


and  his  immense  popularity  was  wielded  for  her  honor 
and  supi)ort. 

On  the  death  of  liis  father  in  1758,  he  succeeded  to 
the  ownership  and  control  of  all  his  paternal  posses- 
sions. At  this  time  the  Sower  press  was  the  most  in- 
fluential German  press  in  America.  The  son,  how- 
ever, carried  forward  and  developed  and  enlarj^ed  the 
splendid  plant  which  his  father  had  so  nobly  built  up. 
He  enlarged  the  scope  of  the  work  along  all  lines;  but 
especially  by  greatly  increasing  the  capacity  of  the 
paper  mills  and  by  adding  a  type  foundry. 

We  have  seen  that  it  was  he  who  issued  the  second 
and  the  third  edition  of  the  quarto  Bible,  continued 
and  improved  his  father's  newspaper  and  almanac, 
and  founded  a  magazine.  This  last,  the  first  of  its 
kind  in  America,  will  always  stand  as  a  monument  to 
his  liberality  and  generous  devotion  to  the  welfare  of 
others.  God  had  blessed  him  in  the  world  and  he  felt 
moved  to  do  something  in  recognition  of  divine  favor. 
He  chose  to  do  this  by  printing  a  religious  magazine 
and  distributing  it  gratuitously  to  his  countrymen.  He 
felt  that  the  highest  duty  a  man  owes  to  his  fellows 
is  to  set  the  right  before  them  and  urge  them  to  accept 
it.  He  hoped  his  magazine  might  come  into  the  hands 
of  persons  whose  attention  it  would  arrest,  and  turn 
them  to  a  consideration  and  acceptance  of  what  is 
right  and  true. 

He  was  a  hearty  advocate  of  education.  He  be- 
lieved that  the  success  of  the  church  depended  upon 
an  intelligent  membership,  just  as  the  success  of  a 
state  depends  upon  an  intelligent  citizenship.  When 

263 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


a  move  was  made  in  1759  by  the  Germans  of  Pennsyl- 
vania to  provide  better  facilities  for  the  education  of 
their  youth  than  they  had  yet  enjoyed,  Elder  Sower 
took  a  hearty  interest  in  the  matter  and  helped  to 
carry  it  to  a  successful  issue.  He  was  one  of  the  so- 
licitors appointed  to  raise  funds  to  establish  the  school, 
and  succeeded  in  raising  a  sum  equivalent  to  some- 
thing like  three  thousand  dollars  of  our  currency.  Of 
this  sum  he  himself  contributed  more  than  one  third. 

The  enterprise  succeeded,  and  the  result  was,  the 
Germantown  Academy  came  into  being.  The  school 
soon  took  rank  as  one  of  the  best  in  the  country,  and 
today,  after  a  lapse  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  years,  is 
still  in  a  flourishing  condition.  Elder  Sower  served 
for  a  number  of  years  on  the  Board  of  Trustees  for 
the  Academy,  and  was  for  some  six  years  president  of 
the  Board.  Here  his  sons  were  educated ;  and  his 
labors,  his  prayers  and  his  means  bestowed  upon  the 
institution,  have  gone  on  blessing  the  lives  of  others 
all  down  through  the  succeeding  generations. 

His  aggressive  views  were  shared  by  the  church  of 
that  time  very  generally.  If  they  had  not  been  how 
could  Sower  have  maintained  his  immense  popular- 
ity? He  was  the  most  influential  man  in  the  church 
in  his  day,  and  seems  to  have  enjoyed  the  complete 
confidence  and  esteem,  not  only  of  the  members  of  his 
own  church  in  Germantown,  but  of  the  members  every- 
where. He  was  the  greatest  man  the  church  produced 
in  the  eighteenth  century.  He  was  justly  regarded  as 
the  fullest  representative  of  her  principles  and  doc- 

264 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


trincs,  wliicli  lir  heralded  with  ihmi  and  voice,  and  what 
was  still  heiter,  lived  out  in  his  own  life. 

During  the  Revolution,  Sower  was  very  outspoken 
against  the  war.  lie  helieved,  in  common  with  the 
general  belief  of  the  church,  that  all  war  is  wrong, 
and  contrary  to  the  teaching  of  Christ.  Therefore  he 
opposed  the  war  with  all  of  his  vast  intluence.  Natu- 
rally this  brought  tlifficulties  upon  him. 

On  the  13th  of  June,  1777,  the  Pennsylvania  gov- 
ernment passed  an  ordinance  requiring  all  citizens  to 
revoke  their  allegiance  to  the  King  of  England  and 
transfer  it  by  oath  to  the  State  of  Pennsylvania.  This 
Sower  could  not  do  because  his  religion  forbade  it. 
Upon  him  as  well  as  upon  all  the  Dunkers  this  worked 
a  great  hardship.  \'arious  expedients  were  found, 
however,  to  evade  the  ordinance  and  still  remain  true 
to  their  religion. 

One  of  these  was  emigration.  This  statute  started 
a  tide  of  German  emigrants  towards  the  Shenandoah 
\'alley,  in  Virginia.  The  Myerses,  the  Wines,  the 
Garbers,  the  Florys,  the  Clines,  the  Wamplers,  the 
Millers,  were  among  the  first  to  come.  Some  of  these 
first  stopped  in  Maryland  for  a  short  time  and  later 
follow-ed  up  the  Valley.  Most  of  them  settled  in  what 
is  now  the  southern  end  of  Shenandoah,  Rockingham, 
and  the  northern  end  of  Augusta  counties.  From  here 
they  have  scattered  in  all  directions,  but  descendants 
of  these  first  families  are  still  numerous  in  the  imme- 
diate neighborhoods  where  they  first  settled,  and  they 
are  generally  among  the  most  enterprising  and  sub- 
stantial citizens  in  their  neighborhoods.    It  is  said  that 

265 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


there  arc  more  Dunkcrs  in  Rockingham  county,  Vir- 
ginia, than  in  any  other  one  county  in  the  United  States. 
And  the  statement  seems  to  be  justified  by  statistics. 
Dr.  J.  W.  Wayland,^  who  recently  collected  statistics 
on  this  point  with  great  care,  puts  the  number  at  2,391, 
almost  half  of  the  five  thousand  Dunkers  in  the  Shen- 
andoah Valley. 

These  people  left  Pennsylvania,  not  because  they 
were  enemies  of  the  Pennsylvania  government,  nor  of 
any  other  government  (the  peace  principles  of  their 
religion  and  their  quiet,  peaceable  lives  show  them  to 
have  been  the  truest  supporters  of  good  government), 
but  they  left  because  they  could  not  comply  with  the 
provision  that  required  them  to  take  an  oath.  They 
taught,  "  Swear  not  at  all."  as  their  Bibles  taught  them, 
and  rather  than  do  so  they  would  leave  their  homes 
and  seek  a  dwelling-place  in  a  strange  land. 

Exactly  these  same  conditions  confronted  Chris- 
topher Sower.  He  was  a  lover  of  good  government 
and  order,  but  he  would  suffer  anything  rather  than 
forsake  his  religion.  He  soon  got  into  the  clutches 
of  the  minions  of  the  law,  and  some  of  the  barbarous 
treatment  he  endured  at  their  hands  I  will  allow  him  to 
tell  in  his  own  words.  Several  years  after  this,  when 
the  war  was  over,  he  wrote  out  the  terrible  experiences 
he  had  suffered,  the  manuscript  of  which  is  still  pre- 
served by  his  descendants.  It  has  been  printed  several 
times  in  German  and  English.^ 

He  writes  that  on  the  24th  of  May,  1778,  he  was  in 

'  In  the  German  Element  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  p.  129. 
"1  translate  from  Seidensticker's  Geschichtsblatter,  p.  161. 

266 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


his  Iioiisi'  in  Gemiantown  at  k-ii  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing, "  when  a  body  of  solcUcrs  from  McLean's  com- 
pany," he  continnes,  "  surrounded  luy  house  and  took 
me  out  of  hed.  It  was  a  dark  niglit.  They  led  me 
through  a  cornheld.  and  because  I  could  not  travel 
as  fast  as  they  wished,  they  repeatedly  stuck  me  in  the 
back  with  their  bayonets  until  we  came  to  Bastian 
Miller's  barn.  Here  they  kept  me  until  the  next 
morning.  Now  they  stripped  me  naked  to  the  skin, 
gave  me  an  old  shirt  and  trousers  so  badly  torn  that  I 
could  scarcely  cover  my  shame,  cut  off  my  hair  and 
beard  and  painted  me  with  red  and  black  oil  colors. 
Thus  they  led  me  along  barefooted  and  bareheaded  on 
a  warm,  sunshiny  day,  until  a  friend  of  mine,  seeing 
me  in  this  condition,  asked  the  soldiers  whether  they 
would  take  the  shoes  from  me  if  he  would  give  me  a 
pair.  The  officer  promised  that  they  would  not.  So 
he  took  his  shoes  from  his  feet  and  his  hat  from  his 
head  and  gave  them  to  me.  But  after  we  had  gone 
six  miles  a  soldier  came  and  demanded  my  shoes,  took 
them  off  of  me  and  gave  me  in  exchange  his  old  ones, 
which  hurt  my  feet  very  much.  On  the  26th  at  nine 
o'clock  I  arrived  at  the  camp  and  was  brought  before 
the  provost." 

He  was  now  accused  of  being  an  oppressor  of  the 
righteous  and  a  spy.  At  this  juncture,  however.  Gen- 
eral Muhlenberg,  who  had  long  known  and  admired 
him,  sent  him  word  to  appeal  to  General  Washington. 
He  did  so  and  promptly  received  a  discharge. 

Two  months  after  this  he  was  arrested  a  second 
time,  because  he  had  not  complied  with  a  proclamation 

267 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

of  which  he  had  never  heard.  All  of  his  property  was 
taken  except  the  clothes  upon  his  back  and  his  spec- 
tacles. He  asked  permission  to  keep  some  medicines 
that  he  himself  had  prepared,  but  was  refused. 

His  vast  possessions  were  taken  possession  of  by 
the  Government.  His  personal  property,  consisting 
of  his  printing  establishment  and  supplies  of  merchan- 
dise, books,  furniture,  paper,  etc.,  were  sold.  His  real 
estate,  comprising  houses,  farms,  paper  mills,  type 
foundry  and  the  like  were  also  confiscated  and  sold, 
although  there  was  a  law  forbidding  the  sale  of  con- 
fiscated real  estate  until  the  youngest  son  had  arrived 
at  the  age  of  twenty-one. 

It  is  evident  that  this  outrageous  treatment  was 
perpetrated  by  his  enemies  very  much  more  in  order  to 
get  possession  of  his  wealth  than  to  vindicate  the  law, 
which  was  violated  at  almost  every  stage  of  the  nefa- 
rious transaction.  The  general  government  had  no 
hand  in  this  wicked  persecution :  it  was  conducted  by 
the  small  military  power  of  the  neighborhood  who  saw 
in  Sower  a  rich  object  of  plunder.  Had  he  sought  to 
do  so,  he  might  have  recovered  his  property  after  the 
war,  but,  true  to  his  religion,  "  when  reviled,  he  re- 
viled not  again."  "  Strange  that  it  should  befall  him, 
the  sage,  the  philosopher,  and  above  all  the  defender  of 
the  supremacy  of  love  and  sympathy  for  all  men,  to 
endure  the  whole  weight  of  a  wicked,  malevolent  per- 
secution, as  though  he  were  a  convict  proven  guilty 
of  crime." 

Thus  almost  in  a  day  Sower  was  reduced  from 
affluence  to  abject  poverty.     His   friends  contrib- 

268 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


uted  to  his  support,  and  he  Hvod  on  williout  hittemess, 
without  complaint,  still  trustinf^  in  the  Lord,  who 
docth  all  tliini^s  well. 

He  continued  to  serve  the  churcli  in  various  ca- 
pacities. His  sermons  were  always  ai)preclate(l  and 
hstened  to  with  marked  attention.  As  a  pastor  he 
was  remarkahly  successful.  His  large-hearted  nature 
enal)led  him  to  enter  sympathetically  into  all  conditions 
of  life. 

He  was  appointed  hy  the  Annual  Conference  of  1780 
to  visit  the  various  churches  of  Pennsylvania.  This 
general  visit  seems  to  have  heen  intended  to  strengthen 
the  churches,  hold  elections  for  ministers  and  deacons, 
and  ordain  elders.  He  also  attended  several  com- 
munion services  and  preached  a  number  of  times.  The 
fact  that  he  was  selected  by  the  Conference  for  this 
important  work  shows  that  he  was  still  the  able  leader, 
the  wise  counselor,  that  he  had  been  for  so  many  years 
before. 

It  is  said  that  two  weeks  before  his  death  he  walked 
to  Skippack,  a  distance  of  twelve  miles,  to  preach  at 
the  Dunker  meeting,  and  after  the  service  returned  in 
the  same  apostolic  manner  to  his  home. 

He  died  August  26,  1784,  surrounded  by  members 
of  his  family.  Elder  Martin  Urner  conducted  the 
funeral  services,  and  paid  a  glowing  tribute  to  his 
memory. 

Thus  passed  away  one  of  the  greatest  men  ever 
identified  with  the  church  of  the  German  Baptist 
Brethren. 

A  few  selections  from  his  numerous  works  must 
269 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


suffice  to  close  this  sketch.  Tlie  following  story 
from  the  Almanac  for  1773  is  characteristic,  and  will 
give  some  idea  of  his  fluent,  graphic  style. 

A  True  and  Remarkable  Story} 

Of  all  the  many  vices  that  degrade  human  nature, 
none  is  so  detestable  as  ingratitude.  The  ancient  phi- 
losophers regarded  this  as  the  very  essence  of  wicked- 
ness. The  man  who  showed  himself  unthankful  for  a 
neighborly  kindness  they  looked  upon  as  a  monster. 
The  rational  creature  that  can  forget  its  benefactor, 
they  looked  upon  as  a  contemptible  reproach.  How- 
ever despicable  ingratitude  may  be,  there  is  after  all 
no  vice  more  common  than  this.  Whoever  thinks 
back  will  be  able  to  see  that  those  to  whom  he  has 
shown  the  most  favors  have  often  returned  him  evil 
for  good,  dissimulation  for  frankness,  and  hatred  for 
love. 

I  have  always  looked  upon  gratitude  rs  the  soul  of 
virtue.  And  the  man  who  is  warmed  with  it,  let  him 
be  of  whatever  station  in  life  he  may,  is  an  honor  to 
human  nature  and  an  honor  to  blessed  immortality. 

In  Appian  and  other  authors  we  read  of  the  grati- 
tude of  lions  and  other  animals  toward  their  benefac- 
tors ;  and  every  story  of  this  kind  fills  my  heart  with 
love  and  veneration  for  these  noble  children  of  eternal 
wisdom.  But  the  recollection  of  the  following  story — 
the  humble,  sensible  expression  of  thankfulness — fills 
my  soul  with  great  admiration. 

In  the  reign  of  Queen  Anne  there  was  no  courtier 
to  whom  so  much  honor  and  respect  were  shown,  or 
who  was  elevated  to  higher  offices  and  responsibilities, 
than  the  noble  Buttler,  the  Duke  of  Ormond.  Her 
Majesty  even  appointed  him  finally  to  the  vicegerency 


'  From  copy  in  library  of  the  Historical  Society  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. 

270 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


of  Ireland.  As  liis  Giaco  was  passing  over  from 
Chester  to  Dublin  through  the  dangerous  channel,  he 
was  struck  by  a  terrible  storm,  which  drove  them  upon 
the  rocks  at  Anglesia.  llis  (Irace  and  oidy  a  few  of 
his  comi)any  saved  their  lives  with  the  greatest  diffi- 
culty by  swimming.  The  part  of  the  island  where  they 
reached  shore  was  cold,  unfruitful  and  uninhabited. 
When  they  had  traveled  several  miles  through  a  waste 
region,  the  first  house  to  which  they  came  was  the 
little  hut  of  a  poor  preacher.  It  consisted  of  a  kitchen 
and  a  sleeping  room,  both  of  which  were  poorly  fur- 
nished. The  minister,  wdien  he  saw  his  wet,  cold 
guests  and  knew  that  they  were  people  of  high  rank, 
received  them  very  kindly,  had  a  great  fire  built  to  dry 
their  wet  clothes,  and  set  before  them  the  best  pro- 
visions that  he  had  in  the  house.  His  frugal  and  yet 
becoming  entertainment  pleased  the  Duke  very  much. 
He  was  greatly  surprised  when  he  perceived  in  his 
host  so  much  solid  contentment  and  unfeigned  happi- 
ness. He  asked  the  clergyman  how  high  his  yearly 
income  ran.  "  Five  pounds,"  answered  Joseph  (for 
this  was  the  minister's  name),  "but  I  have  an  indus- 
trious wife,  and  we  have  two  cows  and  sell  their  milk 
and  butter,  which  almost  keeps  us.  So  we  save  the 
five  pounds  to  buy  our  clothes  with  and  to  help  in 
bringing  up  our  children."  When  Ormond  took  his 
departure  he  promised  that  he  would  remember  his 
host,  and  his  secretary  gave  Joseph  an  address  where 
he  could  find  his  guests  if  he  should  ever  come  to 
Dublin. 

The  minister  waited  a  long  time  to  see  whether  any 
account  was  going  to  be  taken  of  his  kindness,  but  in 
vain.  Finally,  being  encouraged  by  his  wife,  he  de- 
cided to  seek  his  fortune,  and  journeyed  to  the  capital 
of  Ireland.  When  he  reached  this  place  he  sought  out 
the  bishop  to  get  permission  to  preach  the  next  Sun- 
day morning  in  the  cathedral,  where  the  viceroy  and 

271 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


the  members  of  parliament  were  accustomed  to  attend. 
As  he  was  a  scholarly  and  eloquent  man,  his  request 
was  gladly  granted.  When  he  had  gone  up  into  the 
chancel,  he  chose  the  following  very  appropriate  text 
from  the  first  book  of  Moses.  40:  23,  "  But  the  chief 
cupbearer  thought  not  of  Joseph,  but  forgot  him." 
(In  the  English  language  a  cupbearer  is  called  a  But- 
ler, and  this  was  the  name  also  of  the  viceroy.) 

The  minister  now  portrayed  the  vice  of  ingratitude 
in  the  blackest  colors,  and  showed  what  kind  of  an  in- 
fluence the  mode  of  life  among  the  people  of  high 
stations  in  the  world  had  upon  their  dispositions ; 
namely  that  it  puts  them  in  a  condition  that  they  forget 
all  the  human  kindnesses  which  have  been  shown  them 
by  those  who  dwell  in  the  deep  valley  of  contempt. 
When  he  had  finished  with  this  criminal  forgetfulness 
against  their  benefactors,  he  observed  that  such  things 
scarcely  ever  come  about  from  evil  intentions,  but 
usually  from  those  numerous  affairs  of  state  with 
which  people  in  official  positions  are  laudably  encum- 
bered. He  insisted,  however,  that  their  hearts  are 
poisoned  by  the  bewitching  flattery  of  the  insinuating 
parasites  of  the  court,  who  are  always  trying  to  divert 
the  heart  of  their  master  from  the  laudable  exercise 
of  benevolence,  justice  and  mercy,  and  to  turn  it  to 
cruelty,  dissipation  and  debauchery.  And  when  he 
at  length  came  to  the  application,  he  made  use  of  the 
following  imagery  as  a  conclusion. 

"And  now,  my  respected  hearers,  let  each  one  of  us 
turn  our  thoughts  inward  and  ask  ourselves  the  ques- 
tion, '  Have  I  not  at  some  time  received  a  kindness 
from  some  one  in  a  station  of  life  far  inferior  to  my 
own,  to  whom  bountiful  heaven  had  not  given  so  many 
temporal  gifts  as  to  me,  but  to  whom  it  had  given  more 
important  blessings,  namely,  an  open  and  generous 
heart?  And  have  I  forgotten  this  generosity?  Have 
I  also  neglected  to  reward  it  tenfold?    Have  I  not  ac 

272 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


some  time  in  my  life  been  placed  face  to  face  with  the 
merciless  elements  of  this  world,  when  it  seemed  as 
if  they  had  all  combined  to  brinf^  about  my  destruc- 
tion? Have  I  ever  seen  my  comrades  swallowed  up 
in  the  depths  of  the  sea,  while  I  and  a  very  few  others 
came  sale  to  land?  And  has  it  ever  happened  that  a 
poor  but  contented  man  took  me  and  my  unfortunate 
comrades,  on  such  an  occasion,  into  his  house,  where 
his  cheerful  wife  quickly  kindled  a  fire  and,  with  un- 
dissembled  simplicity,  prepared  a  meal  of  common  but 
wholesome  food  to  refresh  our  weakening-  and  ex- 
hausted spirits,  and  to  quicken  our  feeble  limbs,  stiff 
with  cold,  which  were  now  again  safe  from  the  dan- 
gers of  a  stormy  sea? 

Ormond  was  very  attentive  to  the  sermon,  and  when 
he  searched  his  heart,  he  found  himself  guilty  of  crim- 
inal neglect  on  several  points  that  were  very  similar 
to  the  ones  set  forth  in  the  representation.  The  con- 
viction that  this  was  so  became  still  stronger  when  he 
recollected  the  figure  before  him  and  the  circum- 
stances that  had  been  rehearsed,  and  was  convinced 
that  this  was  his  charitable  and  generous  host  of  An- 
glesia,  whom  he  had  uncharitably  forgotten.  He 
turned  to  his  secretary  and  said,  "  Is  not  this  our  genu- 
ine Joseph?"  "  May  it  please  your  E.xcellence,  I  be- 
lieve it  is  he,"  was  the  reply.  "  Invite  him  to  take 
dinner  with  me,"  returned  the  vicegerent. 

When  Joseph  came  into  the  presence  of  the  Duke, 
he  told  him  with  seemly  modesty,  which  is  becoming 
to  a  noble  spirit,  that  he  was  the  poor  preacher  of 
Anglesia  whose  welcome  guest  the  Duke  had  once 
been,  that  this  seemed  to  be  the  one  opportunity  of  his 
life  to  advance  his  fortune,  and  that  he  had  come  to 
remind  His  Excellency  of  his  promise  to  provide  for 
him.  "  You  are  a  worthy,  honorable  man,"  said  the 
Duke,  and  ordered  at  once  that  search  should  be  made 
for  an  unoccupied  pastorate.    Only  one  was  found 


273 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


empty,  this  one  with  a  yearly  income  of  three  hundred 
pounds  sterhng.  Then  said  the  Duke,  "  No  one  is  so 
worthy  of  it  as  our  beneficent  host,"  and  he  advanced 
him  at  once  from  five  pounds  to  three  liundred  pounds 
a  year. 

But  alas,  of  how  short  duration  is  all  human  pros- 
perity !  How  quickly  does  all  temporal  fortune  pass 
away !  How  little  dependence  can  be  put  in  princes 
and  the  children  of  men !  When  George  the  First 
ascended  the  throne  Ormond  was  deprived  of  all  his 
offices  and  had  to  flee  for  his  life,  and  all  of  his  pos- 
sessions reverted  to  the  crown.  For  a  time  he  was 
supported  by  the  bounty  of  his  friends,  but  this  after 
a  time  ceased ;  and  he,  who  at  one  time  had  had  every- 
thing at  his  command  and  had  directed  everything  as 
generalissimo  of  England,  was  reduced  to  a  forlorn 
fugitive,  and  subjected  to  the  most  terrible  fears,  want, 
oppression,  poverty  and  contempt.  But  how  his  heart 
rejoiced  when  he  learned  that  aid  came  to  him  from 
an  unexpected  source,  namely,  from  his  one-time  host 
and  benefactor,  Joseph.  This  grateful  man,  when  he 
heard  how  wretched  the  Duke  had  become,  felt  him- 
self obliged  to  relieve  the  want  of  his  great  and  good 
patron  out  of  his  own  income,  for  it  was  to  him  that 
he  owed  all  of  his  present  prosperity.  He  then  turned 
to  his  dear  wife  and  said :  "  My  Beloved,  have  you 
heard  of  the  great  poverty  and  deep  misery  of  our 
worthy  benefactor,  who  has  raised  us  to  our  present 
state  of  prosperity  ?  You  know  that  we  can  live  as 
well  on  a  hundred  pounds  a  year  as  on  a  thousand, 
how  would  it  be  for  us  to  give  him  two  hundred 
pounds  a  year  as  long  as  he  lives  ?  For  I  hear  that  all 
his  friends  have  forgotten  him  and  that  there  is  dan- 
ger of  his  starving  from  hunger  and  want."  Joseph's 
wife  agreed  with  him  at  once,  and  immediately  one 
year's  salary  was  sent  to  the  Duke.  The  Duke  was 
very  much  moved  by  this  second  act  of  kindness  and 


274 


Writers  of  the  Elighteenth  Century 


wrote  a  circumstantial  account  of  the  transactions  be- 
tween himself  and  Joseph,  to  a  nobleman  at  court  who 
had  still  remained  his  true  friend.  Because  of  this  as- 
sistance rendered,  Joseph  was  afterwards  elevated  to 
anotlier  livinj^  that  l)rou<^ht  in  a  yearly  revenue  of  five 
luuulred  pounds.  lUit  before  he  could  enter  ui)on  his 
new  charj^e  the  brave  Duke  died  in  his  exiled  state 
and  the  generous-hearted  Joseph  could  no  long^er  pro- 
vide for  him.  He  had  gone  into  the  eternal  kingdom, 
where  the  oppressor  and  the  oppressed  meet  each 
other ;  and  his  soul  had  spread  its  wings  in  the  region 
where  riches  and  wealth  are  looked  upon  as  contempti- 
ble trifles,  where  titles  and  dignities  are  trampled  un- 
der foot  with  contempt  and  where  virtue  is  exalted 
and  honored. 

Because  of  the  fame  of  the  Krautcrhuch,  or  series 
of  articles  on  botany,  that  ran  in  the  Almanac  for 
eighteen  years  and  won  tmiversal  favor,  I  feel  that  a 
specimen  from  its  pages  is  due  the  reader.  I  have 
selected  his  treatment  of  one  of  the  commonest  of  all 
herbs,  cofifee. 

Coffee.    Engl.    Coffee.    Lat.  Coffeae. 

If  cofiFee  in  its  raw  state  is  boiled  in  water,  it  will 
impart  to  the  water  an  unpleasant  taste.  But  if  the 
grains  are  first  roasted,  then  pulverized,  and  this  pow- 
der boiled  in  water,  it  will  give  off  an  oily,  alkaline 
fume  which  infuses  a  pleasant  odor  to  the  water.  This 
liquid  will  then  possess  the  virtues  and  peculiar  prop- 
erties of  the  plant,  and,  if  drunk  in  moderation,  will 
serve  to  arouse  and  invigorate  the  animal  spirits ;  will 
relieve  costiveness,  scatter  the  humors,  increase  the 
circulation  of  the  blood,  free  the  chest  from  phlegm, 
open  the  ureters,  and  in  short  make  the  whole  body 
nimble  and  the  mind  active. 


275 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


Coffee  may  be  drunk  at  any  time  of  the  day.  Who- 
ever has  a  weak  stomach,  however,  will  find  that  it 
will  agree  with  him  best  at  or  immediately  after,  meal- 
time, as  it  aids  digestion  and  prevents  llatulency  and 
belching.  Those  who  use  it  as  a  preventive  of  chloro- 
sis and  dropsy,  also  as  a  protection  against  cough  and 
asthma,  had  better  use  it  sparingly  in  the  morning, 
but  can  drink  it  freely  before  or  immediately  after 
eating. 

This  drink,  whether  many  persons  regard  it  or  not, 
has  many  other  excellent  effects  in  various  conditions 
and  weaknesses  of  human  life.  First  those  who  are 
annoyed  with  accumulations  of  mucous  in  the  head, 
with  weak  memory,  headache,  giddiness,  drowsiness, 
all  such  would  experience  good  results  from  coffee  if 
they  would  take  a  drink  every  morning  an  hour  before 
breakfast,  or  immediately  after  the  morning  and  even- 
ing meal ;  provided  only  that  they  continue  to  do  so 
for  a  considerable  length  of  time. 

This  drink  is  also  good  for  drunkenness,  which  will 
be  cured  by  it  if  it  is  not  already  too  far  gone.  For 
this  purpose  the  coffee  must  be  made  weak,  however, 
otherwise  it  will  warm  the  blood  too  much.  Because 
strong  coffee  does  this,  public  coffee-houses  were  pro- 
hibited in  England  for  a  long  time.  It  was  seen  that 
those  who  came  together  to  enjoy  this  temperance 
drink  contrived  and  perpetrated  much  secret  mischief. 
At  the  same  time,  however,  every  one  was  permitted 
to  frequent  the  wine  cellars. 

Scholars  and  students  who  have  to  read,  write  or 
study  at  night,  may  drink  this  liquid  with  excellent 
results  immediately  after  the  evening  meal,  or  instead 
of  it,  and  thereby  prevent  sleepiness.  By  it  the  mind 
is  quickened  and  the  digestion  of  the  stomach  is  well 
performed. 

If  the  eyes  are  held  over  a  cup  of  hot  coffee  and  the 
vapor  is  allowed  to  bathe  them,  they  will  become  clear 


276 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


and  bright.  It  will  drive  away  inflammation,  pain,  or 
tumors,  and  will  prevent  those  sties  that  sometimes 
appear  between  the  hairs  of  tlic  eyelids. 

Hoarseness,  eoii^lis  and  asthma,  which  are  caused 
by  cold  drinks  and  dampness,  can  be  ])reventcd  by  the 
use  of  colTee,  which  may  be  enjoyed  after  the  meals. 

Those  who  are  disposed  to  lung  trouble,  or  are  al- 
ready affected  by  it,  can  use  cofFee-milk  with  profit, 
which  may  be  prepared  in  the  following  manner: 
Take  fresh  cow's  milk,  boil  it,  put  a  c|uarter  or  three- 
eighths  of  an  ounce  of  ground  coffee  into  it,  and 
sweeten  to  taste ;  allow  it  to  boil  a  little  longer,  then 
draw  it  otT  and  it  is  ready  for  use.  Give  it  to  the  sick 
to  drink  mornings  and  evenings,  and  let  it  be  good 
and  warm,  unless  he  has  high  fever.  By  the  use  of 
this  coflfee-milk  not  only  many  who  were  already  af- 
flicted with  consumption  have  been  cured,  but  also 
others  have  been  cured  of  gout  or  like  disease,  or  at 
least  were  greatly  relieved,  after  they  had  been  afflicted 
for  a  long  time. 

The  drinking  of  coffee  serves  those  well  who  are 
afflicted  with  palpitation  of  the  heart  and  are  in  danger 
of  dropsy  of  the  heart,  because  it  opens  the  veins  and 
arteries  of  the  breast  and  drives  off  the  phlegm 
through  the  renal  ducts.  Besides  it  is  very  healthful 
to  the  stomach  if  taken  immediately  after  meals,  or 
drunk  sparingly  at  other  times.  It  aids  digestion,  and 
so  helps  to  prevent  heaviness,  sour  stomach,  heart- 
burn, gripe  and  the  like.  On  the  other  hand  it  sweet- 
ens and  changes  the  gastric  properties,  stimulates  the 
appetite,  strengthens  the  nerves,  checks  the  rising 
phlegm,  and  prevents  bloating. 

If  made  weak  it  has  excellent  power  to  quench 
thirst,  and  to  cool  the  heated,  raging  blood. 

In  cases  of  protracted  illness  that  was  brought  on 
by  a  poor  stomach,  this  wholesome  drink  will  soon 
bring  the  sick  to  their  feet  again.   Also  those  who  find 

277 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


themselves  inclined  to  dropsy  can  keep  themselves  free 
from  it  by  using  coffee,  provided  they  drink  it  strong. 

Spare  persons,  who  have  a  choleric,  melancholic 
temperament,  and  likewise  hot,  raging  blood  and  a 
fiery,  restless,  wakeful  spirit,  must  avoid  this  drink. 
They  might  easily  bring  their  blood  to  the  point  of 
ebullition,  and  could  even  drive  out  the  spirit  of  san- 
ity, so  that  the  whole  body  might  fall  into  a  state  of 
folly  and  imbecility.  If,  however,  the  leanness 
(Magrigkeit)  is  not  caused  by  sharp,  heated  blood, 
but  by  a  weak  stomach,  coffee  may  be  drunk  with 
good  results. 

Christopher  sometimes  wrote  poetry  also,  and  in 
this  form  of  composition  was  scarcely  less  skilled  than 
in  prose.  Four  years  after  his  death  Peter  Leibert 
issued  a  booklet  of  verse  containing  poems  by  Chris- 
topher Sower,  Alexander  Mack  and  others.  It  was 
entitled  Etliche  Liebliche  und  erbauliche  Lieder,  &c., 
a  copy  of  which  is  in  the  library  of  the  Historical 
Society  of  Pennsylvania.  From  this  copy  I  have  made 
the  following  imperfect  translation  of  a  poem  by 
Sower,  preserving  the  original  form. 

1.  Christians  here  themselves  must  plant 

In  the  cross's  narrow  way; 
They  must  suffer,  toil,  lament. 

Rising  to  the  heavenly  day; 
Who  with  Jesus  hopes  to  be 
Must  gain  him  through  the  bloody  tree; 

Those  who  win  the  laurels  there 

Here  a  crown  of  thorns  must  wear. 

2.  Here  with  tears  they  reap  and  sow 

And  of  sorrows  have  their  share, 
Who  before  God's  throne  will  go 
And  the  radiant  garment  wear 

278 


1 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 

Receive  the  crown  of  pearls,  and  sec 
Thcnisolvcs   fritiniplied  victoriously. 
Those  whom  here  affliction  tries 
Can  ilwcU  with  God  above  the  skies. 

3.  Weepinp,  sigliinp,  sobbing,  praying, 

Smooths  for  us  the  way  to  God, 
Entreating  Him  in  each  gainsaying 

Comforts  us  in  every  need; 
Ne'er  doth  comfort  liim  despise 
Who  in  liope  on  God  relics; 

Who  in  faith  to  Him  doth  look, 

Truly  builds  upon  the  rock. 

4.  Ever  roamed  T  here  and  there. 

Of  experience  deep  in  need; 
Now  I  trust  the  shepherd-care 

Of  my  Guide,  his  mercy  plead; 
His  compassion  guideth  me 
Neath  the  cross  so  wondrously 

That  on  Him  I  can  rely 

When  distress  is  raging  high. 

5.  Love  like  this  is  past  all  measure 

Which  to  me  He  has  revealed; 

0  my  soul,  fail  not  to  treasure 
What  to  thee  He  has  unsealed; 

Thou  to  Him  dost  patience  owe 

In  His  footsteps  still  to  go, 
And  in  love  to  please  Him  well, 
All  through  life  His  praises  tell. 

6.  To  be  true,  I  vowed  sincerely 

Yet  my  vow  have  kept  but  ill, 
Thou  hast  waited  daily,  yearly, 
With  all  clemency,  until 

1  have  grown  disconsolate. 
And  of  my  self-will  satiate. 

Now  to  Thee  my  heart  I  give 
To  follow  in  Thy  ways  and  live. 

279 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


7.  Selfishness,  thou  fiend  forbid, 

Mak'st  for  me  so  much  annoy; 
Were  I  only  from  thee  rid, 

I  might  always  feel  the  joy 
Of  the  powerful  love  of  Jesus, 
Which  His  spirit's  impulse,   gives  us: 

We  His  heavenly  love  to  see, 

He  to  praise  Himself  in  me. 

8.  Prove  me,  Lord,  Thyself  convince 

Of  my  status  day  by  day, 
Incline  my  heart  to  innocence. 

Help  me  Thy  precepts  to  obey. 
Oh,  let  sorrows  twining  me 
Bind  me  closer  unto  Thee, 

So  that  I  from  that  great  day 

May  wear  the  victor's  crown  alway. 

9.  Today  is  given  us  yet  to  strive 

And  to  contend  with  knightly  skill; 
Tomorrow  we'll  divide  the  prize. 

Seeking  our  mission  to  fulfill. 
Whate'er  is  true  we  undertake, 
But  we  completely  abrogate 

That  which  is  known  as  worldly  lust 

That  leads  us  God's  love  to  distrust. 

10.  Sixty  years  have  now  passed  by 

Of  my  life's  infirmities; 
Like  an  arrow  shot  on  high, 

So  depart  life's  vanities; 
Yet  these  often  us  detain. 
And  our  rashness  thus  restrain; 

Afterwards  too  late  'tis  grieved 

That  we  by  them  have  been  deceived. 

11.  Oh,  how  grief  my  heart  doth  harrow. 

How  I  wail  the  loss  and  waste. 
When  I  see  what  worldly  sorrow 
Often  fills  my  aching  breast, 

280 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


And  so  sore  deludes  my  heart 
Tlint  all  love  doth  therefrom  depart; 

Also  the  work  I  should  perform 

Doth  oftentimes  remain  undone. 

12.  I'luler  many  storms  perplexing, 

In  temptations  oft  renewed, 
God  still  gave  me  His  protection 

And  has  always  by  me  stood. 
Oh,  His  love  is  boundless,  free. 
Lord,  my  Savior,  bless  Thou  me. 

Except  for  Him  I  must  have  failed 

In  the  trials  which  me  assailed. 

13.  Glory  to  my  soul,  and  praise! 

Hail  to  God,  His  patience  see, 
Which  in  many  wondrous  ways 

Has  shown  to  me  His  clemency. 

Let  His  goodness  lead  me  on, 
Trusting  in  His  love  divine; 

Let  His  grace  not  from  me  wend 

Until  I  reach  my  destined  end. 

Peter  Leibcrt. 

Peter  Leibert  has  already  been  mentioned  as  the  man 
who  bought  most  of  the  Sower  printing  equipment 
when  it  was  confiscated  and  sold  in  1778.  After  the 
treaty  of  peace,  he  in  connection  with  his  son-in-law, 
Michael  Billmeyer,  opened  a  new  printing  office  in 
Germantown  in  1784,  as  we  have  seen. 

Since  this  establishment  was  equipped  almost  ex- 
clusively from  the  Sower  plant,  and  was  conducted  on 
the  same  lines  as  the  former  business,  it  may  be  re- 
garded as  a  continuation  of  the  Sower  press. 

Peter  Leibert  was  born  in  1727,  and  was  brought  up 
281 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


in  the  Sower  printing  office.  He  entered  as  an  appren- 
tice in  early  life,  and  at  its  dissolution  he  was  one  of 
its  most  useful  and  most  trusted  employees. 

He  was  on  intimate  terms  with  the  great  leaders  in 
the  Germantown  church,  Christopher  Sower  and  Alex- 
ander Mack.  His  wife  was  Mary  Nice,  a  sister  of  the 
wife  of  Alexander  Mack. 

He  was  a  minister  in  the  Brethren  church  and  did 
some  acceptable  preaching.  He  was  a  man  of  in- 
fluence and  was  highly  respected  in  the  community 
where  he  lived. 

As  editor  and  publisher  he  wrote  considerably. 
For  several  years  he  conducted  the  resuscitated  Sower 
newspaper  and  almanac,  and  a  comparison  of  these 
with  the  earlier  issues  shows  that  he  kept  up  both  to 
a  good  standard. 

In  1787  Leibert  and  Billmeyer  dissolved  partner- 
ship, and  the  next  year  Leibert  began  a  general  pub- 
lishing business  on  his  own  account.  In  1791  he 
associated  his  son  in  the  business  with  him.  But 
after  this  year  the  father's  name  alone  appears  in  the 
imprints. 

To  Peter  Leibert  belongs  the  honor  of  having  print- 
ed the  first  Dunker  hymn-book.  It  was  issued  in 
1791,  and  was  printed  in  English.  It  was  entitled, 
"  The  Cliristian's  Duty,"  etc.  It  contained  three  hun- 
dred and  twenty  duodecimo  pages.  The  hymns  were 
collected  from  various  sources  and  authors. 

Leibert  continued  the  printing  business  until  1797. 
In  1796  he  brought  out  an  edition  of  Bunyan's  famous 
work  under  the  title,  Eincs  Christen  Reise  Nach  der 

282 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Selii^en  Ezvigkcit,  welchc  unterschiedlichen  artigcn 
SiunbiUlcrndcn  i^mccv  Zustand  einer  biiscfcrtii^cit  tiiui 
Cottsuchenden  Scclc  z'orstcllt,  etc.  This  work  is  one 
of  the  very  last  to  be  issued  from  a  Dunker  press  in 
the  18th  century. 

Except  for  a  short  interruption  during  the  Revo- 
hition  the  Dunkers  had  been  the  leading  German  pub- 
lishers in  this  country  for  nearly  sixty  years.  After 
this  their  publishing  interests,  as  also  their  literary 
activity,  were  rather  sporadic  until  the  latter  half  of 
the  19th  century. 

A  few  paragraphs  from  this  last  named  work,^  tell- 
ing of  Runyan's  conversion  and  power  as  a  preacher, 
may  not  be  unwelcome. 

We  have  found,  after  diligent  searching  among  bio- 
graphical records,  that  without  doubt  in  the  second 
year  of  r>un}an's  married  life  a  visible  change  had 
taken  place  in  him.  The  pleasures  of  youth  were, 
however,  deeply  rooted.  Dancing  was  very  difficult 
for  him  to  give  up ;  and  when  he  abandoned  it  he 
found  great  amusement  in  ringing  bells.  This  he  car- 
ried on  as  long  as  he  could,  disregarding  the  inner 
lashings  of  conscience,  until  he  began  to  fear  that  the 
bell  might  fall  down  upon  his  head,  or  even  the  whole 
tower  might  come  down  and  crush  him. 

An  association  of  people,  who  called  themselves  the 
Ranters,  arose  in  England  about  the  time  that  Bun- 
yan's  conversion  began  to  be  noticeable.  They  claimed 
that  they  were  perfect,  and  had  no  more  need  of  law 
but  could  now  do  whatever  they  wished.  And  they 
roamed  about  very  confidently  in  pursuit  of  their  im- 


*  From  a  biographical  sketch  appended  to  the  volume.  Copy 
In  the  library  of  Bridgewater  College. 


283 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

pure  desires  and  lusts.  Through  their  dissolute  influ- 
ence one  of  Bunyan's  friends  became  a  downright 
atheist.  As  there  seemed  to  be  some  distinguished 
authors  among  these  people,  this  very  man  brought  it 
about  that  Bun^an  formed  the  habit  of  reading  the 
Bible.  He  brought  the  Scriptures  to  him,  and  the  re- 
sult was  that  Bunyan  ventured  to  read  some  of  the 
passages.  Since  he  was  not  able  to  judge  such  writ- 
ings thoroughly,  he  turned  to  God  in  prayer  and  prayed 
in  the  following  words : 

"  O  Lord,  I  am  a  fpolish  man,  and  am  not  able  to 
distinguish  between  truth  and  falsehood.  Lord,  do  not 
abandon  me  to  my  own  blindness.  Help  me  to  accept 
this  teaching  or  to  cast  it  away.  If  it  is  of  God,  do  not 
permit  me  to  despise  it ;  if  it  is  of  the  devil,  guard  me 
that  I  do  not  accept  it.  Lord,  I  lay  my  soul  in  regard 
to  this  matter  wholly  at  thy  feet,  and  I  humbly  beseech 
thee,  do  not  allow  me  to  be  led  astray." 

This  prayer  was  graciously  heard,  and  grace 
awaked  in  him  a  great  disgust  for  this  impious  doc- 
trine, and  brought  about  a  complete  separation  from 
all  such  companionships.  The  Bible,  however,  now 
became  much  more  precious  to  him,  and  it  was  as  if 
he  were  learning  for  the  first  time  to  read  with  his 
own  eyes. 

In  the  year  1655  he  was  baptized,  and  was  received 
as  a  member  into  the  church  at  Bedford.  This  was  in 
his  26th  year,  and  his  faith  became  all  the  while 
stronger  and  better  known.  After  he  had  lived  hap- 
pily in  the  church  for  five  or  six  years,  and  had  been 
tried  by  many  and  severe  temptations,  he  was  finally, 
with  fasting  and  praying  and  laying  on  of  hands,  or- 
dained to  preach  the  Gospel.  He  was  now  32  years 
old. 

His  preaching  had  indeed  a  small  beginning,  but 
divine  favor  did  not  leave  itself  unwitnessed,  and  the 
concourse  of  people  soon  became  large.    This  soon 

284 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


created  n  sensation,  aroused  envy  and  ill-will,  hut  se- 
cured hiui  many  followers.  Once  when  a  young'  stu- 
dent from  tlie  iniivorsity  of  Camhridg-c  was  ridintj 
past  a  mcetini;housc  and  met  a  great  concourse  of 
people,  he  asked  wdiat  it  meant,  and  was  told  that  John 
lUmyan  w'as  going  to  iireach  there.  He  dismounted 
and  gave  a  hoy  some  money  to  take  care  of  his  horse 
and  said,  "  I  will  hear  too  what  the  tinker  has  to  talk 
about."  He  then  went  in  and  heard  the  sermon,  and 
was  so  much  pleased  that  after  this  he  would  hear 
scarcely  any  one  except  the  tinker.  This  student,  who 
was  not  of  the  best  sort,  was  seized  by  the  spirit  of 
grace  and  very  nnieh  changed,  so  that  he  also  after- 
wards became  a  celebrated  preacher. 

At  this  time  the  church  was  at  peace.  Its  meetings 
were  blessed  and  the  membership  increased  very  nnich. 
It  was  in  the  first  part  of  the  reign  of  Charles  II,  when 
liberty  of  conscience  was  publicly  proclaimed. 

Those  who  feared  God  now  made  use  of  the  time, 
for  they  with  David  could  say,  "  Great  are  the  works 
of  the  Lord,  and  wdioever  regards  them,  shall  have 
nothing  but  joy  therein."  Bunyan's  conversion  was 
also  a  special  work  of  the  Lord.  The  children  of  God 
rejoiced  in  him,  who  had  been  sent  to  them,  as  it  were, 
from  the  dead.  Many  came  from  a  distance  to  see 
and  hear  him.  Many  were,  indeed,  like  the  Athenians, 
moved  by  nothing  else  than  to  say  or  to  hear  some- 
thing new.  But  because  the  Lord  himself  acknowl- 
edged the  work  of  the  office  which  He  had  placed 
upon  his  servant,  wonderful  things  often  took  place, 
for  the  spirit  of  God  had  free  course  in  the  life  of 
Bunyan.  For  this  reason  he  often  had  to  speak  words 
that  had  not  been  previously  meditated  or  thought 
upon.  And  these  produced  a  greater  efifect  than  all 
others,  as  he  himself  felt  and  willingly  showed,  so  that 
God  alone  should  be  given  all  the  honor. 


285 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

Other  IVritcrs. 

In  tills  presentation  of  eighteenth  century  writers  of 
the  church  it  is  not  my  purpose  to  be  critically  ex- 
haustive. There  are,  however,  several  other  names 
that  must  be  mentioned,  although  briefly. 

One  of  these  is  George  Adam  Martin.  In  some 
respects  Martin  was  a  unique  figure.  Like  many  of 
his  contemporaries,  he  was  violently  shaken  and  tem- 
pest-tossed by  the  conflicting  religious  views  with 
which  he  found  himself  surrounded.  He  was  of  a 
restless  disposition  and  was  never  long  satisfied  with 
anything. 

He  was  a  native  of  Germany  and  came  to  this 
country  as  a  mere  boy.  He  possessed  an  unusually 
brilliant  intellect  and  a  pious  heart.  At  an  early  age 
he  professed  religion  and  became  a  member  of  the  Re- 
formed church.  Later  he  heard  the  Brethren  preach 
and  at  the  age  of  twent\-one  was  received  into  the 
Brethren  church  by  baptism.  This  was  in  1737.  He 
was  soon  after  advanced  to  the  ministry,  and  in  1739 
was  ordained  to  the  eldership. 

He  became  a  strong  preacher  and  a  restless  worker 
in  the  cause  of  Christ.  Not  infrequently,  however,  he 
found  himself  at  variance  with  his  brethren  and  with 
the  established  usages  of  the  church.  He  opposed 
close  communion,  and  in  other  things  refused  to  sub- 
mit fully  to  the  recognized  practices  of  the  denomi- 
nation. Heated  controversies  sometimes  took  place 
at  the  Annual  Conferences  which  he  attended,  in  re- 
gard to  methods  of  church  work  and  church  polity. 

286 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Finally  lu-  foiiiul  himself  so  nuu-li  out  of  harmony 
with  tlu-  I'.rotliron  that  he  hrokc  witli  thtMii,  accepted 
the  Sahhatarian  views,  and  hecame  a  follower  of 
Beisscl.  This  t)ccurred  in  1762.  In  his  new  church 
I'.onie  he  was  as  little  contented,  however,  as  ho  had 
been  before.  Yet  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life  in 
fellowsiiip  with  the  Ephrata  hermits. 

Tic  was  a  thient  speaker  and  a  ready  writer.  Be- 
sides some  biographical  matter,  wdiich  may  be  worth 
editing:,  he  wrote  the  Christlichc  Bibliothck,  a  book  of 
distinct  literary  merit. 

Of  a  very  different  disposition  was  Jacob  Donner. 
He  was  a  stern,  strong  advocate  of  the  principles  of 
the  church,  and  something  of  a  missionary.  About 
the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century  he  moved  west 
of  the  Susquehanna,  into  what  is  now  York  county, 
Pennsylvania.  Here  he  began  to  preach  and  in  1758, 
he  organized  his  converts  into  a  church.  He  was  an 
ordained  elder,  and  presided  over  this  congregation 
for  some  time. 

Later  he  acquired  a  handsome  estate  on  the  banks 
of  the  Monocacy  creek  in  what  is  now  Frederick 
county,  Maryland.  Here  he  lived  pleasantly  and  gave 
much  of  his  time  to  the  work  of  the  church.  He 
traveled  extensively  in  the  manner  of  his  day,  every- 
where preaching  the  Word  of  God  with  power. 

He  was  a  man  richly  endowed  by  nature.  He  had 
something  of  the  typical  pioneer  about  him.  God 
prospered  him  in  the  good  things  of  this  world ;  and 
besides  preaching  with  great  ability,  he  was  also 
something  of  a  poet.    He  wrote  hymns  and  probably 

287 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

other  poetry.  He  lived  to  be  an  old  man,  and  was  one 
of  the  pillars  of  the  church  in  his  day. 

There  were  many  other  great  men  in  the  ranks  of 
the  Dunkcrs  during  the  period  we  are  treating,  but  they 
have  no  claim  upon  this  history,  because  they  are  not 
identified  with  authorship.  They  did  a  noble  work  in 
other  fields.  Many  of  them  preached  with  great 
power  and  gave  their  labors  freely  for  the  cause  they 
loved.  Their  lives  are  unwritten,  their  works  are  un- 
recorded, it  may  be,  but  the  results  of  their  labors 
still  live.  Of  this  class  were  such  men  as  George 
Klein,  Daniel  Letterman,  Michael  Pfautz,  the  two 
IMartin  Urners,  the  Prices,  and  others. 

I  shall  mention  but  one  other  name,  that  of  Chris- 
topher Sower  the  third.  He  was  the  oldest  son  of  the 
second  Christopher,  the  influential  elder  of  the  Breth- 
ren church.  Reference  has  already  been  made  to  him 
in  connection  with  the  Sower  press.  He  was  born  in 
1754,  became  a  member  of  the  Dunker  church  at  the 
age  of  sixteen,  married  at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  was 
associated  with  his  father  in  the  printing  business 
about  the  same  time,  and  in  connection  with  his  brother 
Peter  began  a  printing  business  on  his  own  behalf  at 
the  age  of  twenty-two. 

During  the  Revolution  he  took  sides  with  the  Eng- 
lish, as  we  have  seen,  and  during  the  winter  of  1777- 
78  issued  a  paper  in  Philadelphia  in  support  of  the 
royal  cause.  This  was  the  Pennsylvanische  Staats 
Courier.    It  ran  some  seven  or  eight  months. 

He  left  Philadelphia  with  the  British  army  in  the 
summer  of  1778.    The  next  year  he  went  to  St.  John's, 

288 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


New  IWunswick,  whore  lu-  fouiKkd  and  edited  the 
Royal  C'aci-ttc.  Later  lie  lived  in  luij,daiKl  for  several 
years,  and  was  made  the  King's  printer.  Ahout  1785 
he  moved  to  Nova  Scotia  where  he  had  been  appointed 
Assistant  Postmaster  General.  He  later  moved  to 
Baltimore,  Maryland,  where  he  died  in  1799,  at  the 
age  of  forty-five. 

Sower  had  heen  married  at  the  beginning  of  the  Rev- 
olution to  a  Miss  Knorr.  He  left  a  family  of  children, 
the  oldest  son  of  whom  was  called  after  the  family 
name,  Christopher,  making  the  fourth  of  this  name  in 
the  direct  line  of  descent. 

Christopher  Sower  had  been  well  educated,  and  was 
a  writer  of  considerable  power.  In  the  course  of  his 
varied  editorial  labors  he  had  occasion  to  write  a  good 
deal.  Had  his  efforts  been  better  directed  he  might 
have  accomplished  more  than  he  did. 

The  literary  record  of  the  Brethren  during  tlie  eight- 
eenth century  is  one  in  every  way  worthy  of  them,  and 
is  an  honor  to  the  church.  Their  work  deserves  to  be 
better  known  among  us,  and  to  this  end,  it  needs  to  be 
put  in  a  form  that  we,  as  a  church,  and  the  world  at 
large,  can  the  better  understand  and  appreciate  it.  To 
contribute  something  to  this  end  is  the  chief  purpose 
of  the  present  work. 


289 


APPENDIX. 


To  complete  our  impression  of  the  work  under  con- 
sideration with  a  comprehensive  view,  I  have  thought 
it  well  to  collect  in  a  compendious  form  all  the  work 
produced,  either  written  or  printed,  by  the  German 
Baptists  in  the  eighteenth  century. 

A. — WORK   PRODUCED  IN  EUROPE. 
1713. 

Kurtzc  und  ciiifdltige  Vorstcllung  dcr  dusserii,  aber 
dock  liciligcii  Rcchtcn  und  Ordnungen  dcs  Houses 
Gottcs,  7'orgcstcllt  in  cinem  Gcsprdch  unter  Vatcr  und 
Sohn.    Von  Alexander  Mack. 

Printed  at  Schwarzenau,  Germany. 

Grundforschcndc  Fragcn,  wclche  denen  neuen 
Tdufcni  in  H'ittgcnstcinisclicn,  insonderheit  zu  heant- 
zvorten  vorgelegt  war  en,  sammt  beygefiigten  kurzen 
und  cinfaltigen  Antxvorten  auf  dieselben,  vormals 
schriftlicli  hcrausgegeben  von  einem  Aufrichtigen 
Mitglied  der  Gemeinc  zu  Wittgenstein. 

This  is  the  title  under  which  this  work  was  repro- 
duced later  in  this  country.  The  original  title,  if  dif- 
ferent from  this,  has  not  been  preserved.  The  writer 
of  the  answers  to  these  questions  (Aufrichtigen  Mit- 
glied) was  of  course  Alezander  Mack.  Printed  at  the 
same  time  and  place  with  the  above. 

291 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren. 

1726 

Die  Heilige  Bihel. 

This  was  the  famous  edition  of  the  Holy  Writ  issued 
by  the  Separatists  at  Berleberg,  in  Germany,  and 
therefore  known  as  the  Berleberg  Bible.  Alexander 
Mack  and  others  of  the  early  Brethren  were  interested 
in  the  enterprise  and  contributed  liberally  to  it.  This 
is  the  reason  for  including  it  here. 

B. — ISSUES  OF  THE  SOWER  PRESS, 
WITH  NOTES. 

In  former  chapters  I  have  treated  those  works 
of  the  Sower  press  that  are  best  known,  the  Bibles  and 
the  periodicals,  including  the  almanacs.  There  are, 
however,  a  great  many  other  things  in  the  history  of 
this  great  establishment  that  are  fully  as  interesting 
and  as  important,  in  their  way,  as  those  we  have  con- 
sidered. I  shall,  therefore,  bring  together  all  the 
issues  of  the  press  so  far  as  discovered  up  to  this  time, 
under  the  years  in  which  they  appeared,  and  note  any 
interesting  facts  in  connection  with  them  that  may 
have  come  under  my  notice.  I  shall  not  generally  re- 
produce the  full  titles,  many  of  which  are  ver>'  long,  as 
several  instances  already  cited  will  show.  In  using 
abbreviated  forms,  however,  I  trust  I  shall  be  suffi- 
ciently clear  at  all  times,  so  that  the  works  can  be  iden- 
tified without  the  possibility  of  error. 

1738. 

Eine  Ernstliche  Ermahnung  an  Jiinge  und  Alte. 
Der  Hoch-Deiitsch  Americanische  Calender. 
292 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


These  two  publications  have  been  considered  at 
length  in  a  previous  chapter. 
Fri'ihlin^  ist  herbci  gckommen. 
Mcin  Ilcilaitd  dcr  du  hist  mir. 

These  are  the  beginning  lines  of  two  popular  Ger- 
man songs.  The  fact  that  Sower  had  j)ublishcd  these 
songs  was  forgotten  and  was  not  rediscovered  until  the 
summer  of  1''04,  when  the  Rev.  A.  Stapleton  of 
W'rightsville,  Pa.,  found  copies  of  them  in  a  heap  of 
rul)hish  in  one  of  the  out-of-the-way  places  of  his 
native  state. 

1739 

Zionitischcr  Weyrauchs-Hiigel. 

E'ui  ab^cn'6tliii:i;tcr  BcricJit. 

This  is  the  little  book  that  Christopher  Sower 
printed  by  way  of  setting  himself  right  before  the 
public  for  his  part  in  the  dispute  with  Conrad  Beissel 
while  he  was  printing  the  Weyrauchs-Hiigel.  I  have 
quoted,  in  the  last  chapter,  one  of  the  letters  from  it. 

Ein  ABC  und  Bitchstabierbuch. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender. 

This  second  issue  of  the  almanac  contains  the 
announcement  of  Sower's  paper,  Der  Hoch-Deutsch 
Pcnsylvanische  Gcschicht-Schrciber,  the  first  number 
of  which  was  distributed  with  the  almanac. 

Dcr  Hoch-Dcutsch  Pcnsylvanische  Gcschicht- 
Schrciber. 

This  first  issue  bears  date  of  August  20.  After  this 
so  long  as  the  paper  remained  a  monthly,  it  was  issued 
on  the  16th  of  each  month. 

293 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


1740 

Die  Gefahr  bey  unhckchrten  Predigern,  vorgestellt 
in  einer  Sermon  iiber  Marcus  am  VI.  v.  ^4.  Bey  Gil- 
bert Tennent. 

Gewissenhaftc  Vorstellung  vom  Mangel  rechter 
Kinder-Ziicht, 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender. 

There  were  two  editions  of  the  almanac  for  this  year. 
Some  were  printed  in  two  colors,  black  and  red ;  others 
are  in  black  only. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Pensylvanische  Geschicht- 
Schrcibcr. 

Georg  IV eitHelds  Predigten. 

This  was  a  translation  from  an  English  edition  of 
Whitfield's  sermons  which  Franklin  had  published 
earlier  in  the  same  year. 

Extracts  from  the  Lows  of  William  Penn. 

This  is  the  first  English  work  issued  from  the  Sower 
press  of  which  I  have  found  trace.  The  printer  does 
not  seem  to  have  succeeded  as  well  in  English  as  in 
German,  and  there  is  no  evidence  that  the  experiment 
was  repeated  for  nearly  ten  years. 

1741 

Bekanntmachung. 

This  was  Sower's  prospectus  of  his  quarto  Bible, 
which  appeared  two  years  later.  It  is  put  here  on 
the  authority  of  Dr.  Seidensticker.  Stapleton  would 
assign  it  to  the  preceding  year.    It  is  undated. 

Einfcltige  JVarnungs-und  JVdchter-Stimme  an  die 

294 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 

gerufcHC  Scclcn  dicscr  Zcit.  I' on  Joluinn  .Idam 
G  ruber. 

Die  Griindc  und  Ursachcti  dcr  Christliclicn  U'icdcr- 
geburth,  Oder  die  Neiie  Geburth  durch  Christum. 

nine  Betrnclihtitg  dcs  Lasters  dcr  Trunkenlicit. 
Tliis  Consideration  of  the  Crime  of  Drunkenness 
ami  well  meant  Warning  against  Immoderate  Drink- 
ing is  one  of  the  first  publications  to  appear  in  this 
country  against  the  use  of  intoxicants.  When  it  is 
recalled  that  this  was  half  a  century  before  there 
was  any  real  organized  eflort  against  intemperance, 
the  fact  of  this  publication  becomes  significant.  In 
1741  drunkenness  was  very  common  in  the  colonies, 
and  unforttmatcly  the  vice  was  not  frowned  upon  with 
the  disfavor  with  which  we  regard  it  today.  It  was 
no  discredit  for  a  man  to  get  drunk  after  dinner,  nor 
was  it  looked  upon  as  very  bad  for  a  clergyman  to  own 
a  stillhouse  and  himself  indulge  to  excess.  The  Dun- 
ker  church  has  always  stood  flat-footed  against  every 
form  of  intemperance.  Sower  wrote  and  spoke 
against  it  repeatedly.  The  issue  of  this  book  seems  to 
mark  the  beginning  of  his  crusade  against  the  evil. 
It  is  a  small  volume  of  only  fifty-five  pages. 

Der  Hoch-Dcutsch  Anicricanische  Calender. 

Der  Hoch-Deiitsch  Pensylvanische  Geschicht- 
Schreiber. 

\7A2 

Ausbund.  Das  ist:  Etliche  scliouc  Christliche  Licdcr 
Wie  sie  in  dem  Gefdngniis  cu  Bassau  i)i  dent  Schlos:: 
von  den  Sclm<eit::er-Bri\dern  und  7'on  anderen  rccht- 
gldubigen  Christen  liin  und  her  gedichtet  warden. 

295 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


This  was  a  large  song  book  especially  popular  among 
the  Mennonites.  It  was  first  printed  in  Europe  as 
early  as  1583,  and  was  extensively  used  for  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  or  three  hundred  years.  The  Sowers 
printed  two  editions  of  it  after  this  one,  in  1751  and 
1767,  and  their  successors,  Leibert  and  Billmeyer, 
another  in  1785.  Many  of  the  songs  give  biograph- 
ical details  of  martyred  Christians. 

Bckanntmachiing.    By  Henry  Antes. 

Ein  Zeugniss  eines  Betriiben.    By  J.  A.  Gruber. 

Hirten-Liedcr  von  Bethlehem. 

A  hymn  book  of  138  duodecimo  pages,  containing 
369  hymns.  It  was  printed  by  Sower  for  Count  Zin- 
zendorf  soon  after  his  arrival  in  this  country. 

Das  Klcine  ABC  in  der  Schide  Christi. 

Vorschlag  sur  Errichtung  einer  Deutschen  Schide. 

Wahrer  Bericht. 

Zeugnisz  der  Briiderschaft  in  Zion. 
Eine  Schrift-Geniassen  Zeugnisz. 
Der  Hoch-Deiitsch  Amerieanische  Calender. 
Der     Hoch-Deutsch     Pensylvanische  Geschicht- 
Schreiber. 

1743. 

Biblia,  Das  ist:  Die  Heilige  Schrift  Altes  nnd  Neues 
Testaments. 

This  was  the  famous  first  edition  of  the  Sower  Bible 
of  which  I  have  given  a  detailed  account  in  a  previous 
chapter. 

Eines  Geringen  Bericht.  By  John  Adam  Gruber. 
Samuel  Gilldins  Gewcsencn  Prcdigers  in  den  Drey 
Haupt-Kirchen  zii  Bern  in  der  Schwcitz. 

296 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Wohlgcgrundctcs  Bcdcnkcn  tier  Christlicltcn  Gem- 
eine  in  uiid  hex  liplirata  ]'on  dciu  lVc([  dcs  Ilcili- 
SUiii^.   r>y  John  IliKlcbraiul. 

Mistisches  und  Kirchlichcs  Zcui^nnsz  dcr  Briidcr- 
schaft  in  Zion.    By  John  Hiklebrand. 

Sclirifftiiiacii^cs  Zrui^iiiisc  von  don  Himmlischen 
und  Juni:;fraiiliclu'n  Gcbiihrungs-Wcrk.  By  John  Hil- 
debrand. 

All  three  of  these  works  were  part  of  the  warfare 
against  Zinzcndorf,  as  we  have  seen. 

Glanbens-Bckcnntnisz.  By  Ernest  Christopher  Hoch- 
niann  of  Ilochenaii. 

This  will  be  recognized  as  Hochmann's  Confession 
of  Faith,  quoted  in  the  first  chapter  of  this  work. 
Printed  first  in  Germany  in  1702,  it  now  appeared  for 
the  first  time  in  America.  It  was  much  read  by  the 
early  Dunkcrs,  and  it  has  been  conjectured  that  they 
may  have  thought  at  times  of  publishing  it  as  their 
creed.  Mr.  J.  F.  Sachsc  has  published  in  his  German 
Sectarians  of  Pcnnsyh'ania  a  curious  Fnglish  trans- 
lation of  it,  a  very  free  rendering,  which  he  supposes 
may  have  been  prepared  for  this  purpose.  In  fact  it 
has  been  called  the  Dunker  creed,  but  this  is  clearly  an 
error,  as  it  was  never  published  or  accepted  by  the 
denomination  as  such.  The  only  creed  the  Dunkers 
ever  adopted  is  the  New  Testament. 

Jacob  Lischys  Reformirten  Prcdigers  Declaration 
seines  Sinnes. 

Der  Neuc  Charter. 

A  translation  from  the  English  original  of  the  char- 
297 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


ter  of  Pennsylvania,  and  given  away  to  all  the  sub- 
scribers of  Sower's  paper. 
Dcr  Balsam  von  Giliad. 

Ein  Kurtccr  Bcricht  von  den  Ursachen,  warum  die 
Gcnicinschaft  in  Ephrata  sich  viit  dem.  Grafen 
Zinzcndorf  nnd  seine  Leuten  eingclasscn. 

Ein  Schreihcn  der  herrnhutischcn  Gemeine  aus 
ihrer  Confcrcnc  an  Meister  Johann  Hildebrand  in 
Ephrata. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Pensylvanische  Geschicht- 
Schreiber. 

1744. 

Anhaui;  odcr  Appendix  zu  dem  Charter  von  Ver- 
ordnungen. 

Hans  Engclbrechts  Gdttliche  Offenbahrungen 
sammt  einer  Erzdhlting  seines  wunderbahrcn  Lebens. 

Ein  Spiegel  der  Tauffe  niit  Geist,  mit  Wasser,  nnd 
mit  Blut.    By  Henry  Funk. 

Der  kleine  Catechismus  D.  Martin  Lnthers. 

This  edition  was  edited  and  annotated  by  Count 
Zinzendorf  and  the  preface  was  also  supplied  by  him. 

Das  Kleine  Davidische  Psalterspiel  der  Kinder 
Zions. 

This  is  the  hymn  book  generally  used  by  the  Bun- 
kers until  they  issued  one  for  themselves  in  1791. 

Der  Frommcn  Lotterie,  odcr  Geistliches  Schats- 
kdstlein.    By  Gerhard  Tersteegen. 

"  A  collection  of  381  tickets  on  which  pious  lines  of 
Tersteegen  and  Scripture  passages  were  printed,  en- 
closed in  a  neat  leather  case  or  wooden  box.  Good 

298 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 

pious  souls  would  tind  (.'ujos  iiu-nt  .ukI  i  iiiricilioii  in 
drawini;'  tlu-so  cards,  thus  luruin}^  even  play  into  a 
nicans  of  s])iritu;d  comfort."' 

'Plio  set  in  the  llridgowater  College  lihrary  arc  in  a 
strong;-  case  and  well  preserved.  ICach  card  has  two 
(juotations.  a  passage  of  Scripture  at  the  top  and  four 
lines  of  verse  from  Terstccgen  on  tlie  lower  half  of 
the  face.  To  show  what  they  are  like,  I  take  at  ran- 
dom numher  101,  which  may  he  rendered  as  follows: 

I'^or  the  tlesii  lusteth  against  the  Spirit,  and  the 
Spirit  against  the  llesh :  and  these  are  contrary  the 
one  to  the  other:  so  that  ye  cannot  do  the  things  that 
ye  (according  to  the  fle.sh)  would. — Gal.  5:  17. 

Not  to  Yield. 

To  feel  sin  and  still  avoid  it, 

Is  the  way  to  happiness ; 

To  do  wrong  and  suffer  wrong, 
Makes  the  greatest  difference. 

Tractat^en  von  dcr  Gcrinin^schatzuni::;  und  Nichtig- 
keit  unscrcs  naturlicJioi  und  acitliclicii  Lcbciis. 

Verschicdcnc  altc  und  ncucrc  Geschichtcn  von 
Erscheinungcn  der  Geistcr. 

These  ghost  stories  were  popular,  as  is  shown  by 
the  fact  that  editions  were  called  for  in  1744,  1748, 
1755,  1792. 

Dcr  Hoch-Dcntsch  Amcricanischc  Calender. 
Dcr     Hoch-Dciitsch     Pensylvanische  Gcschicht- 
Schrcibcr. 


*  Seldensticker. 


299 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 
1745. 

Eine  Beschreibung  der  wahren  Kirche,  was  und  wo 
sie  scy. 

Freymiithige  und  unparthcyischc  Gcdankcn  von 
der  Religion. 

Das  Ncuc  Testament  unseres  Hcrren  und  Hcylande 
Jesu  Christ i. 

This  was  the  first  edition  of  the  Sower  Testaments. 
It  was  a  12mo.  of  592  pages,  with  rubricated  title. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanischc  Calender. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Pensylvanische  Geschicht- 
Schreiher. 

1746. 

Die  merkzuiirdige  Geschichte  oder  Bekehrung  von 
Jacob  Friedrich  Dusz,  ein  Backer  in  WUrtemberg. 

Kurser  Aussug,  2^1,  Unterricht  von  der  Ein- 
sammliing. 

Der  Psalter  des  Konigs  und  Propheten  Davids. 
Die  umgezvendete  Bibel. 

Unterricht  von  der  Einsammlung  des  Willens  der 
Seelen. 

Vom  Cometen. 

Leichenpredigt.    By  J.  J.  Zubly. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanischc  Calender. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Pensylvanische  Berichte. 

The  change  from  "  Geschicht-Schreiber "  to  "  Be- 
richte "  in  the  name  of  the  paper  was  made  in  October 
of  the  previous  year. 

300 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


1747. 

Fill  Ccriit>:;cr  Schciii  dcs  I'crachtctcn  Lichllcins  der 
ll'alirltcit.  die  in  C'lirislo  ist. 

nine  nitJcndc  W'achtcrstimnic  an  allc  Scclcn  die 
nach  Ciott  und  scincni  Reich  liuni^crnd  sind.  By  John 
Iliklcbrand. 

Ein  Ernstlichcr  RutJ  in  Christlichcr  Licbc  an  allcs 
Volk.    Ry  Benjamin  Ilohnc. 

Klarc  und  Gcwissc  Wahrhcit. 

Noch  vichr  Zeugniissc  dcr  Wahrhcit. 

These  last  two  are  tracts  advocating  the  principles 
of  peace  on  religious  grounds.  Christopher  Sower 
was  opposed  to  war  and  strife  of  every  kind. 

Gcislichcs  Bhwicn-Gartlcin  Innigcr  Scclcn.  By 
Tersteegen. 

This  was  the  first  American  edition  of  this  work, 
which  had  been  printed  four  times  in  Germany  before. 

Gli'tckliche  Genilgsamkcit  dcr  Stillcn  in  Lande.  By 
Gerhard  Tersteegen. 

Einc  Tcutsch  und  Englische  Grammatic. 

Brudcrliches  Schrcibcn. 

Lovignics  vcrborgnes  Lebcn  niit  Christo. 

Eine  Lcich-Predig. 

Der  Hoch-Dcutsch  Americanischc  Calender. 
Pensyh'anische  Bcrichtc. 

With  the  June  number  of  the  year  before  "  Der 
Hoch-Dcutsch  "  had  been  dropped  from  the  title  of 
Sower's  newspaper,  leaving  it  as  above. 

1748. 

Eine  Kurtzc  Beschreibung  ciner  langen  Reise  aus 
Babylon  nach  Bethel. 

301 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

ErchciiiiDii^oi  dcr  Gcistcr. 
First  edition  in  1744. 

Frell,  Gcorg,  von  Chur  in  Graubilndncr  Land.  Von 
dem  wahren,  eicigen  Fricdsamcn  Reiche  Christi. 

Andreas  Freyen  seine  Declaration. 

Eine  GriindlicJte  Anzi'cisung  cu  cincm  Hciligen 
Lcben  zu  gelangen. 

Bin  Griindliches  Zeugniisc  gegen  das  kilrtzlich 
hcrausgcgcbcne  Biichlein,  gcnandt  Plain  Truth. 

"  Plain  Truth  "  was  written  and  printed  by  Benjamin 
Franklin.  It  proposed  a  plan  of  united  action  and 
urged  the  people  to  take  up  arms  in  defense  of  their 
country.  Sower  printed  this  reply  in  a  tract  of  24 
octavo  pages  and  distributed  the  edition  gratuitously. 
It  is  a  strong  plea  for  peace,  maintaining  that  God 
will  keep  his  peonle  without  requiring  them  to  fight 
with  carnal  weapons. 

Kiirtzcr  und  crbaidichcr  Auszug.  By  Christian 
Hohburg. 

Kurtze  Besclircibung  dcs  Lcbcns  und  Todtcs  von 
Jacob  Schniicdlcin  aus  WollJiauscn. 

Eine  Kurtze  Vermittclungs-Schrift. 

Jacob  Lischys  Reformirtcn  Prcdi  \te  Dec- 

laration seines  Si>ines  an  sci)ie  Reforuiirte  Religions- 
Genossen  in  Pennsylvanicn. 

Ein  Mystischer  das  ist  ein  vor  dcr  alten  Xatur  und 
Vernunfft  und  Eigcnhcit  verborgener  Seelen  Spiegel. 

Dcr  Sigenische  Catechismus. 

Warnungs-Schrciben  ivider  die  Lcichtsinnigkeit.  By 
Geret.  Tersteegen. 

302 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Vcrschicdcnc  Christlichc  Wahrhcitcn.  und  Kiirtze 
Bcinichtuiii^  iibcr  das  kiirtclich  hcrausgcgebene 
Biiclilciii.  Cciuiitdt  I.aittcrc  W'alirlicit. 

Tliis  is  another  attack  on  "  Plain  Truth,"  and  was 
pi  von  away. 

Ein  Christ  bcsuchct  oft  und  gcnic  die  Zions-Kinder 
iiah  iDid  feme. 

Kiiitce  J'ertlic id ig loii^. 

Nocli  inelir  Zcug)iisse  dcr  ll'ahrheit. 

Sceleuspiebel. 

Der  Hoch-Dcittsch  Amcricanischc  Calender. 
Pcnsylvanischc  Berichte. 

1749. 

Thomas  a  Kempis.  Vicr  Biicher  von  der  Nach- 
folgcr  Christ i. 

Thomas  a  Kempis.  The  Christian  Pattern,  or  the 
Imitation  of  Jesus  Christ. 

This  as  the  title  shows  was  printed  in  English,  and 
is  the  first  English  work  of  which  I  have  found  trace 
issued  by  the  Sower  press,  except  "  Extracts  from  the 
Laws  of  William  Penn,"  printed  in  1740.  It  seems 
that  about  1740  Christopher  Sower,  Jr.,  assumed  the 
oversight  of  the  book  binding  department,  and  as  he 
was  a  good  English  scholar  this  broadening  of  the 
business  was  in  all  probabilit}-  due  to  his  influence. 

Lischy,  Jacob.  V.  D.  M.  Prediger  der  Reformirten 
Gemienden  i'lber  die  Susquehanna  in  Pennsylvanien. 

Treuherzigc  und  Eiiifaltige  Anzveisung,  zvie  sich 
solche  Gutwillige  Seel  en  zu  verhalten  haben. 

303 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

Sie  hckchrcn  sich  aber  nicht  rech.    By  J.  J.  Zubly. 
Habcrmans  Gcbet  Buchlein. 
Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender. 
Pensylvanische  Berichte. 

1750. 

Gdttliche    Liches-Andacht    mit   einer  Anweisung 
iind  Uiiterricht. 
Dcr  Kleine  Kempis. 

Schule  der  Weishcit  in  Rcimcn  odcr  Hochteutsches 
ABC  vor  Schiller  und  Meistcr  in  Israel. 

The  Archbishop  of  Cainbray's  Dissertation  on 
Pure  Love.   By  Fenelon. 

Anleitnng  zur  Englischen  Sprache. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender. 

Pensylvanische  Berichte. 

1751. 

Ausbund. 

This  contains  more  songs  than  the  edition  of  1742. 

Eine  Niitzliche  Anweisung  Oder  Beyhiilfe  vor  die 
Teutschen  um  Englisch  zu  lernen. 

Tersteegens  Der  Frommen  Lotterie. 

Evangeliches  Zeugnusz  vein  Elend  und  Erlosung 
der  Menschen.    By  J.  J.  Zubly 

Einige  Gcdichte  und  Lieder. 

Von  der  Menschen  Erloesung. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender. 

Pensylvanische  Berichte. 

In  the  imprints  of  this  year  the  printer  sometimes 
spells  his  name  Saur  and  at  other  times  Saner.    It  is 

304 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


not  known  whether  tliis  was  l)y  desij^n  or  hy  cliancc. 
If  by  design  the  reason  for  the  variation  is  not  known. 

1752. 

EvaugeJisches  Zcuguusz  von  dcr  falschcn  Fleisches- 
Rcligion  in  alien  Sectcn  dcr  Christenhcit. 

Gcistrcichc  Liedcr. 

The  first  Reformed  liynin  book  ])rinted  in  America. 

Bckantnusz  cincs  Christen.   By  Thomas  Imbroich. 

This  is  the  supplement  that  was  added  to  the  Aus- 
bnnd  pnbhshed  in  1751. 

Der  Kleinc  Catechismus  des  scl.  Dr.  Martin 
Luther  s. 

Unpartheyischc  Gedanckcn  in  Rcimen  bey  Ein- 
weihung  einer  Evangelischen  Kirche  in  Germanton. 
By  H.  M.  Muhlenberg-. 

It  will  be  observed  that  this  is  the  Lutheran  clergy- 
man who  so  mercilessly  and  unreasonably  denounced 
Sower's  Bible  some  nine  years  before  this. 

IViichtcr-Stimm  auz  dem  verzuiisteten  Sion.  By  J. 
Conrad  Steiner. 

Heidelbergcr  Catechismus. 

Ausbund. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender. 
Pensylvanische  Berichte. 

1753. 

Die  Kleine  geistliche  Harfe. 
A  Mennonite  hymn  book. 
Die  Neue  Acte. 

Neii-vermehrt-nnd  voUstiindiges  Gesang-Buch. 
Das  Mennonisten  Liedcrbuch. 

305 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


Dcr  Wunderbahrcr  Bussfcrtigc  Scclcnsorgcr. 
Dcr    Ictztc    JVille    des    hochfiirstlichcn  Printzen 
Dictcriclis  von  Anhalt  Dessau. 

Dcr  Hoch-Deutsch  Am  eric  anische  Calender. 
Pcnsylvanische  Bcrichte. 

The  fatal  Consequences  of  the  unscriptural  Doc- 
trine of  Predestination  and  Reprobation. 

The  Description  and  Use  of  the  Globes,  celestial 
and  terrestrial.    By  T.  Grew. 

The  Everlasting  Gospel,  commanded  to  be  preached 
by  Jesus  Christ,  Judge  of  the  Living  and  the  Dead. 
By  Paul  Siegvolck. 

1754. 

Ein  Gesprdch  czvisclien  eincm  Jiingling  und  einem 
Alten.   By  John  Hildebrand. 

Der  Wundcrbarc  buscfertige  Bcichtvater  und  Seel- 
Sorgcr  Herr  M.  Aaron. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender. 

Pcnsylvanische  Bcrichte. 

Christian  Education. 

The  Pennsylvania  Town  and  Countrymen's  Al- 
manac for  1755. 

These  last  two  publications,  in  English,  bear  the  im- 
print of  Christopher  Sower,  Jr.  These  almanacs  were 
printed  for  some  five  or  six  years  and  must  not  be 
confused  with  the  Sower  German  almanacs  with 
which  they  had  little  in  common. 

1755 

Ein  Settler  und  dock  kein  Bettler. 

306 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


/.  Bunians  Pili^rims-odcr  Christen  Rcisc. 
Das  ait II rliDW  opfcr.  By  J.  lUiiiyaii. 
Rcisc  aus  Babylon  iiacli  Bethel.   By  Stephen  Crisp. 
Trcithcrtcige  Eiiiiiicniiii^  uiul  Waniuni^.  By  Henry 
KcMiipcr. 

Das  Kiiulcr-BiicliU'iii  in  den  Briider-G'eiiiciiieii. 
Das  Xcnc  Testament. 

This  was  the  second  edition  printed  by  Sower  and 
contained  a  preface  written  by  liiin. 

H'dchst  nothigc  Warnung  uiid  Eriiineruiig  an  die 
frcye  Eiiiwohner  der  Proi'infc  Pcnsylvanicn.  By  Ch. 
Saur. 

The  appeal  to  the  Germans  to  assert  and  guard 
their  rights  as  freemen  against  schemes  to  deprive 
them  of  these  rights,  which  I  have  translated  in  a 
former  chapter. 

Das  Lcben  Gottcs  in  der  Scelc  des  Menschen.  By 
H.  Skougal. 

Gcschichtcn  von  Erscheinungen  der  Geister. 

Heidelbcrger  Catechismns. 

Der  Hoch-Dcutsch  Ainericanische  Calender. 

Pensylvanische  Berichte. 

1756 

Einc  Erinnening  an  die  Englische  Nation,  dasz 
ein  jcder  die  re  elite  Zcit  -ji'ahrnehmen  soil.  By 
Thomas  Chamberlain. 

Die  Gottliche  Beschiitzung  ist  der  Menschen 
ge^i'isseste  Hiilfe  iind  Beschirmiing.  By  Jonathan 
Dickinson. 

Eine  Erzehlung  von  den  Triibsalen  und  der  Wunder- 
307 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


hahren  Befreyimg  so  geschehcn  an  William  Flemming 
und  desscn  Weib  Elisabeth. 

Dcs  Elirzi'iirdigoi  Lchrcrs  David  Imries,  Predi- 
gers  in  St.  Miingo  in  Schottland.    By  D.  Imrie. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Anicricanischc  Calender. 

Pensylvanischc  Berichte. 

The  Uncertainty  of  a  Death-bed  Repentance.  By 
Fenelon. 

The  Real  Christian's  Hope  in  Death.   By  J.  J.  Zubly. 

The  Nature  and  Design  of  Christianity. 

A  Pattern  of  Christian  Education  Agreeable  to  the 
Precepts  and  Practices  of  our  Blessed  Lord. 

These  last  two  bear  the  imprint  of  Christ.  Sower, 
Jr. 

1757. 

Der  Inhalt  von  den  verschiedenen  Conferentzen, 
welche  einige  Freunde  in  Philadelphia  mit  Etlichen 
Indianern  gehaltcn,  U.  S.  IV.,  in  den  Monathen  July 
und  November  17^6. 

Der  Inhalt  von  den  verschiedenen  Conferentzen  U. 
S.  W.,  in  dem  Monath  Jidy  und  August  17 S7- 

Some  Gospel  Treasures,  or  the  Holiest  of  all  Un- 
veiling.   By  John  Everard,  D.  D. 

Eine  N eutzliche  Anweisung. 

Marburger  Gesangbuch. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender. 

Pensylvanischc  Berichte. 

1758. 

Ein  Spiegel  der  Eheleute. 

Some  observations  upon  a  late  Piece  entitled,  The 
Detection  detected.    By  A.  Gellatly. 

308 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Per  Ilocli-Dcutscit  Amcricanischc  Calender. 
PcHsyhaiiischc  Bcriclitc. 

1759. 

Christlichc  Morgcn-imd  Abcud-Gebdter. 
Marbitrger  Gesaiig-Biicli. 

This  was  the  first  Luthcrn  hymn  book  printed  in 
America.  It  was  a  16mo  vohmie  of  155  pages  and 
was  divided  into  twelve  parts. 

Der  Hoch-Dcutsch  Amcricanischc  Calender. 

Pensylvanische  Berichtc. 

Observations  on  the  Inslaving,  Importing  and  Pur- 
chasing of  Negroes.    By  Anthony  Benezet. 

The  issue  of  this  pamphlet  is  part  of  the  warfare 
waged  by  the  Sowers  against  the  institution  of  slavery. 
They  wrote  and  spoke  against  it  whenever 
occasion  presented  itself.  Because  of  their  great 
influence  they  succeeded  pretty  efifectually  in  deter- 
ring the  Germans  from  taking  any  hand  in  the  nefa- 
rious traffic.  Shortly  before  the  Revolution  Sower 
could  still  write,  "  Up  to  the  present  this  godless  traf- 
fic could  find  no  safe  footing  in  Pennsylvania,  because 
of  the  abhorrence  the  Germans  still  have  for  it.'" 

Thus  a  hundred  }ears  before  slavery  was  abolished, 
the  leading  members  in  the  Dunker  church  were  stout- 
ly opposing  the  institution  as  nefarious  and  godless. 
This  lias  always  been  the  position  of  the  church  on 
this  question. 

The  JVay  to  the  Sabbath  of  Rest.  By  Thomas 
Bromley. 

The  Journeys  of  the  Children  of  Israel.  By 
Thomas  Bromley. 

309 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 

A  Treatise  of  Extraordinary  Dispensations  under 
the  JezL'ish  and  Gospel  Administrations.  By  Thomas 
Bromley. 

A  Discourse  on  Mistakes  concerning  Religion, 
Enthusiasm,  etc.    By  Thomas  Hartley. 

1760 

Evangelien  und  Epistclcn  aiif  alle  Sonntage  wie 
aiich  auf  die  hohen  Feste. 

Das  Klcine  Davidische  Psalterspiel. 

Eine  Aiimuthige  Erinncrung  zii  einer  Christlichen 
Betrachtung.    By  Alexander  Mack. 

Der  Psalter  des  Konigs  und  Prophctcn  Davids. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Aiiiericanische  Calender. 

Pensylvanische  Berichtc. 

Observations  on  the  Inslaving,  Importing  and  Pur- 
chasing of  Negroes.  By  A.  Benezet.  Second  edition. 

Certain  agreements  and  concessions  made.  . .  .  for 
erecting  and  establishing  a  School  House  and  School 
in  Gcrmantown. 

These  agreements  resulted  in  establishing  the  Gcr- 
mantown Academy,  which  was  opened  in  September 
of  the  next  year.  Christopher  Sower  was  one  of  the 
leading  promoters  of  the  enterprise  and  served  for  a 
number  of  years  on  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the 
Academy.  The  school  maintained  an  English  and  a 
German  department  and  is  still  in  a  flourishing  con- 
dition. This  was  the  first  educational  enterprise  in 
which  the  Dunkers  took  a  direct  interest  of  which 
there  is  any  record. 

Christ's  Spirit  a  Christian's  Strength.  By  W.  Dell. 
310 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 

The  Stumbling  Stone,  xvhcrcin  the  University  is  Re- 
proved.   Hy  W.  Ddl. 

The  Uncertainty  of  a  Death  Bed  Repentance.  By 
Fenelon. 

1761. 

Das  Lchen  und  heroischc  Thaten  dcs  Kdnigs  t'on 
Preusaen,  Fricdrichs  des  III. 

Die  Naturalisation-Form  derjenigcn,  welche  ohne 
Bid  mit  dcm  Quiikcr-attest  natiiralisirt  wcrdcn. 

Das  Neue  Testament. 

Dcr  IIoch-DcHtsch  Americanischc  Calender. 

In  this  nuinbcr  of  the  ahnanac  was  beg'im  the 
"  Kriiuterbuch"  or  lessons  in  botany,  which  were  con- 
tinued for  eighteen  \  ears. 

Pensylvanische  Berichtc. 

Habe-rmans  Grosses  Gebct  Buck. 

HabermcHis  Kleines  Gebet  Buck. 

Dreierlei  Deutsclien  und  Englischen  ABC  Biicher. 

1762. 

Habcrmans  Kleines  Christlich  Gebiitbuch. 
Nczv-Eingerichtctes  Gesang-Buch. 
A  hymn  book  for  the  Schwenkfelders  containing  760 
12mo  pages. 

Beyhiilffe  vor  die  Teutschcn  um  Englisch  cu  lernen. 

Der  Psalter  des  Konigs  und  Propheten  Davids. 

Marburger  Gesang-Buch. 

Dcr  Hoch-Dcutsch  Anicricanische  Calender. 

Gennantatmer  Zeitung,  Oder;  Saunnlung  IVahr- 
scheiiilichcr  Nachrichtcn  aus  dcm  K atur-nnd  Kir- 
chenreich. 

311 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


The  second  Christopher  Sower  was  troubled  much 
as  his  father  had  been  before  him  by  the  fact  that  tlie 
news  printed  in  his  paper  did  not  always  turn  out  to 
be  true.  In  order  to  free  himself  from  this  load,  he 
removed  during  this  year  the  word  IVichtig  (impor- 
tant) from  the  title  and  inserted  W ahrscheinlich 
(probable)  in  its  place. 

1763. 

Biblia, 

The  second  edition  of  the  quarto  Bible. 
Dcr  Kleine  Darmstddtische  Catechismus  Herrn  D. 
Martin  Luthers. 

Neu-vermehrt  iind  vollstangigcs  Gesang-Buch. 
Das  Neue  Testament. 

Die  heilbringcnde  Menschwerdung  und  der  herr- 
liche  Sieg  Jesu  Christi  ilber  den  Tenfel  und  Tod 
By  W.  Otterbein. 

Die  Wandlcnde  Seel.    By  J.  P.  Schabalie. 

Schabalie  was  a  Mennonite  preacher.  His  "  Wander- 
ing Soul  "  has  been  a  very  popular  book.  The  great 
Biblical  events  are  told  by  the  characters  who  figured 
prominently  in  them.  For  instance  Noah  tells  of  his 
narrow  escape  from  the  flood,  how  the  animals  be- 
haved in  the  ark,  and  how  he  cared  for  the  specimens 
of  plants  entrusted  to  his  keeping. 

Zeugnisz  der  JVahrheit. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender. 

Gerniantauner  Zeitung. 

The  Dreadful  Visitation,  in  a  short  Account  of  the 
Progress  and  Effects  of  the  Plague.    By  D.  Defoe. 

312 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


A  Short,  luisy  and  Comprehensive  Method  of  Pray- 
er.   I?y  J.  Kclpius. 

1764. 

Die  alhnachlige  Errettungs-IIand  Gottes  aus  den 
wilden  M ceres  H'ellen. 

Christliche  Morgen  und  Abend  Gchiiter, 
Das  Kleine  Davidische  Psaltcrspiel. 
Die  Regeln  der  Teutschen  Gesellschafft  in  Phil' 
adelphia. 

Das  Anhangen  an  Gott.    By  Tersteegen. 
Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Americanische  Calender. 
Germantaimer  Zeitung. 

Ein  Geistliches  Magacien,  Oder:  Aus  den  Schdtzen 
der  Schrifftgelchrtcn  snvi  Himmelreich  gelehrt,  dar- 
gercichtcs  Altes  und  Neues. 

An  account  of  this  magazine  was  given  in  a  former 
chapter. 

Aninerkungen  iiber  Ein  noch  nie  erhdrt  und  gesehen 
U'linder-Thier  in  Pennsylvanien,  genannt  Streit-und 
Straus2-Vogel. 

Einc  cu  diescr  Zeit  Hochst  nothige  Warming  an  die 
freye  Eimvohncr  der  Provinz  Pennsylvanien. 

A  political  tract  against  a  scheme  to  restrict  the  free 
suffrage  of  the  Germans. 

Protestation  gegcn  die  Bestelhing  Herrn  Benjamin 
Franklins  ctt  einem  Agcnten  fiir  diese  Provinz. 

By  the  influence  of  the  Germans  Franklin  had  been 
defeated  in  the  election  for  Assemblyman  in  the  fall  of 
1764.    It  was  then  proposed  to  send  him  to  London  as 

313 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


the  agent  of  Pennsylvania.  This  pamphlet  expresses 
the  German  opposition  to  this  plan. 

Anmcrkungen  iiher  einc  nciiliclic  Protestation  gegcn 
die  Bestelluiig  Hrn.    Benjamin  Franklins. 

Franklin's  reply  to  the  above. 

1765. 

Des  Gottscligcn  iind  Hochcrlenchtctcn  Lchrers, 
Hrn.  Johann  Arnds. 

Die  Erste  Frucht  der  Tentschcn  Gcsellschaft. 

Wertheste  Landcs-Leute,  sonderlich  in  Philadel- 
phia, Bucks  tmd  Bercks  County.  By  Christopher 
Sower. 

A  political  address  by  Christopher  Sower  on  the  two 
leading  questions  of  the  day.  These  were  first  the 
proposition  to  change  the  government  of  Pennsylvania 
by  removing  the  proprietary  government  and  making 
it  a  royal  colony;  and  second  the  repeal  of  the  Stamj) 
Act.  Sower  disapproved  of  a  change  of  government, 
but  favored  calling  a  convention  to  petition  the  King 
for  a  repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Ainericanische  Calender. 

Germantauner  Zeitung. 

Antwort  auf  Herrn  Franklins  Anmerkmigen. 
Ein  Geistliches  Magasien. 

1766. 

Die  Regeln  der  Teutschen  Gcsellschaft  in  Philadel- 
phia. 

Das  Neue  Testament. 

Der  Hoch-Deiitsch  Ainericanische  Calender. 
314 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 

Germantauncr  Zcitung, 
F.iii  Gcistliclics  Magacien. 

1767. 

.■lusbiiiidt. 

Kiirtcc  Uiitcmrisuiii^  vor  Klcine  Kinder. 
Confession,  odcr  Bckcnntnisz  Eines  Christen. 
Bcricht  von  den  Briidern  in  der  ScJnvcitz. 
Dcr  Hoch-Dcutsch  Amcricanischc  Calender. 
Gennantauncr  Zeiti{)ig. 
Ein  Gcistliclics  Magacien. 

1768. 

Die  JVandlende  Sccl.    By  J.  P.  Schabalie. 

Dcr  Psalter  dcs  Konigs  und  Propheten  Davids. 

Das  I'oii  Jcsii  Christo,  dcm  Richtcr  dcr  Lcbendigcn 
und  Todten,  aller  Creatur  zn  prcdigcn  bcfohlcne 
Ezvige  Evangelinm  von  der  diirch  Ihn  erfundenen 
Eti'igen  Eriosung.    By  George  Paul  Siegvolck. 

Ein  Mcrkwi'irdigen  Trauin. 

Dcr  H och-Dcutsch  Americanische  Calender. 

Germantauncr  Zcitung. 

Ein  Gcistliclics  Magacien. 

1769. 

Gcistliclics  Blumen-GHrtlein  Inniger  Scelen. 
Das  Nciie  Testament. 

Das  von  Jesu  Christo,  dcm  Richtcr  dcr  Lebendigen 
und  Todten.    By  George  Paul  Siegvolck. 
Dcr  Hoch-Dcutsch  Americanische  Calender. 
Germantauncr  Zcitung. 
Ein  Geistliches  Magazien. 

315 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


The  Sentiments  and  Plans  of  the  Warren  AssociO' 
Hon. 

\77Q 

Nachrichtcrs:  Oder  Niit cliches  und  aufrichtiges 
Rosz-Artzney-Biichlein.    By  J.  Deigendesch. 

Eine  Einfaltige  und  griindlich  ahgcfasate  Schul- 
Ordnung.    By  Christopher  Dock. 

Christopher  Dock  had  been  Christopher  Sower's  old 
schoolmaster.  This  interesting  little  book  on  ped- 
agogy was  written  as  early  as  1750.  But  the  diffident 
old  pedagogue  refused  to  allow  it  to  be  printed  during 
his  lifetime.  He  was  prevailed  upon,  however,  to 
submit  the  manuscript  to  the  care  of  his  esteemed 
pupil,  on  the  condition  that  it  should  not  be  printed 
until  after  his  death.  In  this  year  two  editions  were 
printed,  containing  a  preface  of  six  octavo  pages  sup- 
plied by  Sower's  pen. 

Einfaltige  Lchr-Betrachtnngen  und  Knrtsgefasz- 
tes  Glaiihcns-Bekanntnisz  des  gottseligen  Lehrers 
Michael  Frantzen.    By  Michael  Frantz. 

Frantz  was  a  minister  in  the  Dunker  church  in  the 
Conestoga  region.  His  book,  partly  in  prose  and 
partly  in  verse,  has  been  described  and  in  part  quoted 
in  a  previous  chapter. 

Die  Paradisische  Aire  der  Jungfr'dulichen  Keusch- 
heit.    By  Samuel  Lucius. 

Vollstandiges  Marburger  Gesang-Buch. 

Der  Hoch-Dcutsch  Americanische  Calender. 

Germantauncr  Zeitnng. 

Ein  Geistliches  Magazien. 

316 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 
1771. 

Naclirichtcrs:     Oder  Xiitclichcs  uiid  aiifrichtiges 
Rosc-.lrtcucy  Biiclilciii.    By  John  Dcigciulcsch. 
Die  ll'andlcnde  Seel.    By  John  IMiilip  Schabalie. 
Der  ll'e}^  der  Gottselii^keit. 
Dcr  Hoch-Dcutsch  Amcricanische  Calender. 
Gennantciuner  Zeituug. 
Ein  G  cist  I  idles  Magasien. 

1772. 

Ncti-rernielirt-und  z'ollstlindiges  Gesang-Buch. 
Eine    nutzliche   Amveisung    oder   Beyhiilffe  vor 
Deutsche  inn  E)iglisch  j/(  Icrnen. 
Neujahrs  Gescheiik. 

Der  Hoch-Dcutsch  Americanische  Calender. 
Die  Gcrmantauncr  Zeitung. 
Ein  Geistliches  Magacien. 

1773. 

Der  Kleine  Kempis. 

Geistliches   Blumen-Giirtlein   Inniger   Seelen.  By 
Tersteegen. 
Der  Psalter  Davids. 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Amcricanische  Calender. 
Die  Gcrmantauncr  Zeitung. 

\77A. 

Der  Geschwinde  Rechner.    By  Daniel  Penning. 

Griindforschcnde  Fragen,  zvelche  denen  nenen 
Taufern  Ini  W itt genstciiiischcn ,  insonderheit  zn  bcant- 
u'orten  vorghelegt  waren.  By  Eberhard  Ludwig 
Gruber. 

The  New  Baptists  of  Wittgenstein  were  of  course 
317 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


the  Dunkers.  Guber's  ground-searching  Questions 
were  addressed  to  the  newly  organized  congregation 
in  1713  and  were  replied  to  by  Alexander  Mack  in  the 
same  year. 

Kurtzc  nnd  cinfdltigc  VorstcUung  dcr  diisscrn,  aber 
dock  heiligcn  Rechten  nnd  Ordmingcn  dcs  Houses 
Gottes.    By  Alexander  Mack. 

This  is  Mack's  famous  work  usually  known  as  the 
Rites  and  Ordinances,  from  which  I  have  quoted  in  a 
former  chapter.  It  was  to  this  edition  printed  by 
Sower  that  Alexander  Mack  the  second  prefaced  a 
brief  history  of  the  organization  of  the  church  at 
Schwarzenau  in  1708,  from  which  I  have  quoted  in 
the  first  chapter  of  this  work.  This  historical  matter 
is  of  great  value  and  gives  unusual  importance  to  this 
edition. 

Nachdriickliche  Busa-Stimme  und  Warnungs- 
Posaune  vom  Himmel  an  allc  hoszhaften  Siinder  auf 
Erden. 

Vollstdbdiges  Marburgcr  Gcsangbuch. 

Dcr  Hoch-Dcutsch  Amcricanische  Calender. 

Die  Gcrmantauncr  Zeitnng. 

The  Ready  Reckoner.    By  Daniel  Penning. 

1775. 

Hoch-Dcutsches  Lutherisches  ABC  und  Namen- 
Bitchlein. 

For  children  who  are  beginning  to  learn. 
Das  Neiie  Testament. 

Dcr  Hoch-Dcutsch  Amcricanische  Calender. 
Die  Gcrmantauncr  Zeitnng. 

318 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 
1776. 

Diblia. 

The  third  edition  of  tlie  famous  Sower  Hibles. 
CItristlicIic    Morgcii-itiid   /ibciid-Gchatcr.      By  J. 
I  laliorniann. 

This  Die  Kinder  Bibel  was  a  small  24mo  volume 
of  487  pages. 

Der  I locli-Dciitscli  Anicricanischc  Calender. 
Die  Geniiantaiiner  Zcittmg. 

This  year  the  paper  was  issued  in  tlie  name  of 
Christoph  Saur  und  Sohn. 

Dos  Alte  Zcugnis  und  die  Gnind-Satze  des  Volkcs 
so  man  Qniiker  ncnnct  ....  gcdruckt  bey 
Cliristoph  Saur,  dent  Jiiiiger)i. 

This  Christopher  Sower,  Jr.,  was  the  third  of  the 
name  and  the  oldest  son  of  the  second  Christopher, 
the  well-known  bishop  of  the  Dunker  church. 

Apologie  Oder  I'ertheidigungs-Schrift  der  zvahren 
Christlichcn  Gottesgelahrthcit.   By  Robert  Barclay. 

Der  Tod  Abels.    By  Solomon  Geszner. 

This  and  the  preceding  bear  the  imprint  of  Chris- 
toph Saur,  dem  Jilngern. 

1777. 

Das  Kleine  Davidische  Psalterspiel. 

VoUstdndiges  Marbiirger  Gesangbuch. 

An  die  Deutschen  in  Amcrika.    By  A.  Emmerich. 

Emmerich  was  a  Hessian.  His  pamphlet  was  a  pas- 
sionate appeal  to  the  Germans  in  America  to  remain 
loyal  to  England. 

Der  Kleine  Catechismus. 

319 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


Dcr  Hocli-Dciitsch  Aincricanische  Calender. 

Die  Geniiantauncr  Zeitiing. 

Weg  uiid  Wcrkc  Gottcs  in  der  Bekehriing. 

Treuhersige  Warnung  eines  Brndcrs  in  Christo. 

Die  Ucbiing  der  Gcgenzvart  Gottcs. 

The  last  three  are  assigned  to  this  year  on  the 
authority  of  Rev.  A.  Stapleton,  although  they  are  un- 
dated and  the  year  of  their  publication  has  not  been 
positively  determined. 

Gespriich  Zwischen  eine  Pilger  und  Burger  auf 
Ihre  Reise  nach  der  Eivigkeit. 

Proclamation.  Eine  durch  Seine  Excellenz,  Sir 
William  Hozve  .  .  .  heraiisgegebene  Proclamation. 

Der  Pennsylvanische  Stoats  Courier. 

A  good  deal  of  uncertainty  surrounds  the  work  of 
the  Sower  press  during  this  year.  The  management 
of  the  business  was  changed  once  if  not  twice.  The 
first  two  books  mentioned  above  in  this  year  bear 
the  imprint  of  Christoph  Saur,  Germantown.  The 
third  and  fourth  in  the  list  have  in  the  Germantown 
imprint  the  names  of  Christoph  Saur  und  Peter  Saiir. 
The  last  two  in  this  Hst  were  printed  in  Philadelphia 
by  Christ.  Saur,  Jr.,  und  Peter  Saur.  The  printing 
plant  was  moved  from  Germantown  to  Philadelphia 
in  the  early  part  of  this  year.  The  number  of  the 
Germantauner  Zeitimg  dated  March  19,  1777,  states 
that  the  editor  has  moved  to  a  house  adjoining  the 
Quaker  meetinghouse  in  Philadelphia  and  will  there 
continue  his  business.  The  two  men  now  in  charge 
of  the  Sower  press  are  two  of  the  sons  of  the  second 
Christopher,   the  third  generation  of  the  Sowers, 

320 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Christoplior  the  third  and  IVtor.  The  titles  of  the 
puhlication  of  tliis  year  show  the  cliaiifj^ed  pohtical 
coniploxion  of  the  Sower  press.  The  first  two  ("hris- 
topher  Sowers  had  been  staunch  supporters  of  colonial 
ri^-hts  and  stoutly  ojiposed  lMi<:;'lish  encroachments. 
The  third  generation  cast  in  their  lot  witli  the  loyalist3 
and  exerted  themselves  for  the  royal  cause. 

1778. 

Einige  Gcdichtc  unci  Licdcr.  By  Johann  Christoph 
Kunze. 

Der  Pcnnsylvanischc  Staats-Couricr. 

These  were  printed  in  Philadelphia  and  the  imprint 
reads  Christoph  unci  Peter  Saur.  When  the  British 
army  left  Philadelphia  in  June  of  this  year  Christopher 
(3rd)  and  Peter  Sower  went  with  it,  and  tlie  Sower 
printing-  establishment  ceased  to  exist.  It  is  not  prob- 
able that  more  than  a  small  portion  of  the  original 
Gennantown  plant  was  moved  to  Philadelphia.  The 
establishment  was  seized  by  the  British  in  1777,  on 
the  ground  that  Christopher  Sower  (the  Second)  was 
a  rebel.  The  large  and  valuable  property  was  confis- 
cated and  sold,  and  what  escaped  in  this  way  was 
ruthlessly  destroyed. 

C. — ISSUES  OF  THE  LEIBERT  PRESS. 

1784. 

Six  years  after  the  destruction  of  the  Sower  pub- 
lishing house  Peter  Leibert  and  IMichael  Billmeyer  set 
up  a  German  press  in  Germantown.  As  their  outfit 
consisted  largely  of  the  confiscated  stock  of  the  Sower 

321 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


establishment,  we  may  consider  it  as  a  sort  of  con- 
tinuation of  that  plant.  The  following  publications 
for  the  year  1784  have  been  discovered. 

Ein  Brief,  Weiland  von  Peter  Bliiscr  an  seinen 
Frcund  Michael  Billmcycr. 

Dcr  Klcine  Catcchismus. 

Das  Lutherische  iind  Reformirte  ABC  nnd  Nanicn- 
biichlcin. 

Dcr  Psalter  dcs  Konigs  iind  Prophetcn  Daz'ids. 

Der  Hoch-Deiitsch  Americanische  Calender.  Auf 
Das  Jahr  i/8j.    Zum  Erstcnmal  herausgcgeben. 

This  was  a  resuscitation  of  the  Sower  almanacs, 
which  it  resembled  in  every  respect,  but  was  numbered 
as  a  new  series. 

1785. 

Ausbund. 

Ein  All f sat s  oder  Vertheidigung  von  Christian 
Funk. 

Der  Hoch-Deiitsch  Americanische  Calender. 
Die  Germantauner  Zcitung. 

February  8  of  this  year  the  Sower  newspaper  was 
brought  into  being  again.  It  was  now  increased  in 
size  and  the  price  was  raised,  as  was  shown  in  a  for- 
mer chapter. 

1786. 

Catcchismns  odcr  Kiircer  UntcrricJit  Christlicher 
Lehre. 

For  the  German  Reformed. 

Der  Kleine  Catechismiis  dcs  set.   Dr.  M.  Luther. 
Erbanliche  Licdcr-Sauunhing. 
A  Lutheran  hymn  book. 

322 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


Kurzc  Amiachtcn  ciiicr  Cottsnchcnden  Scclc. 
Tai^chiii  li  iter  General  Assembly  dcr  Republic  Penn- 
sylvanien  (1786-1787), 

Dcr  Hoch-Dcutscli  Amerieanischc  Calender. 
Die  Gcrniaiitaiiiier  Zcituiii^. 

In  Aufjust  of  1786  Leibert  ami  liillincvcr  dissolved 
partnership.  Billineyer  continued  the  business  at  the 
old  stand,  while  Leibert  set  up  independently  in  an- 
other part  of  the  town. 

1788. 

Geistlliche  Morgcn-und  Abend gebdter.  By  Job.  Ha- 
bermann. 

Dcr  Kleinc  Keinpis. 

Lieblichc  mid  erbauliche  Liedcr. 

The  works  of  this  year  and  for  several  years  fol- 
lowing bear  in  the  Gerniantown  imprint  only  the  name 
of  Peter  Leibert. 

1790. 

Habcrmanns  Christlichc  Morgen-tind  Abendgebcter. 
Hoch-Dentsches  Luthcrischcs  ABC  und  A'avioi- 
Biichlein. 

1791. 

Terstcegcns  Gcistigcs  Blumengdrtlcin  inninger 
Seclcn. 

The  Christian's  Duty,  exhibited  in  a  Series  of 
Hy]nns. 

This  was  the  first  Dunker  hymn  book,  of  which  I 
have  already  spoken.  It  consisted  of  320  12mo  pages. 

The  works  of  tliis  year  bear  the  imprint  of  "  Peter 
Leibert  und  Sohn." 

323 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


1792. 

Eiue  niitsliche  Amvcisung  oder  Beyhiilfe  vor  die 
Teiitschcn  um  Englisch  cii  lernen. 

Ziiblins  Evangelischcs  Zcngniss. 

This  year  the  imprint  reads  simply  Peter  Leibert 
again  and  remains  so. 

1793. 

Gerhard  Tersteegcns  Lcbcnsbeschrcibung. 
Des  scligen  Gerhard  Terstccgens  hintcrlaszene  Er- 
kldrung  seines  Siiiiics. 

Tobias  Hirtes  Dcr  Frcund  in  der  Noth. 

1794. 

Dr.  J  oh.  Habcrnianns  von  Eger  Christlich  Gebdt- 
Bneh. 

Schabalies  Die  Wandlende  Seel. 

1795. 

Habermanns  Christliche  Morgen-und  Abend-Gebe- 
ter. 

Der  Kleine  Kempis. 

1796. 

Eincs  Christen  Reise  nach  der  Seligen  Ewigkeit.  By 
John  Bunyan. 

Kurtse  Beschreibeng  von  den  Leben  nnd  Sterben 
von  Joh.  Bunyan. 

Gedanken  iiber  die  Rechtmdssigkeit  der  Kriege. 

The  New  England  Primer. 

1797. 

High  German  ABC  Book. 

The  foregoing  is  the  most  complete  list  of  the  Sower 
324 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


publications  that  lias  xct  hcrii  made.  It  is  believed 
that  it  contains  all  that  arc  at  this  time  known  to  ex- 
ist. That  still  others  may  be  brou<jht  to  li{?ht  in  future 
is  very  probable.  Reckoning  as  above,  by  years,  and 
counting'  the  periodicals  for  each  year  as  one,  the  is- 
sues of  the  Sower  press  proper  here  catalogued  num- 
ber 335.  If  those  of  Leibcrt  are  added  the  whole 
number  becomes  372. 

The  range  covered  by  these  works  too  is  somewhat 
extensive.  The  greater  part  of  the  entire  output  are 
religious  or  moral  treatises.  The  three  editions  of  the 
quarto  Bible  are  of  course  the  most  famous.  Besides 
these  were  no  less  than  seven  editions  of  the  New  Tes- 
tament in  addition  to  several  issues  of  the  Psalms,  and 
a  Children's  Bible. 

The  Sower  press  also  supplied  most  of  the  religious 
sects  of  the  time  with  hymn  books.  It  will  be  recalled 
that  the  first  book  printed  in  America  in  German  type 
was  the  famous  JVeyraiicIis-Hiigcl,  printed  by  Sower 
for  the  Zionitic  Brotherhood  at  Ephrata.  With  this 
as  a  beginning,  during  the  following  years  the  Sower 
press  printed  hymn  books  for  the  Dunkers,  the  Luther- 
ans, the  Reformed,  the  ]\Iennonites,  the  Schwenk- 
felders.  the  Ephrataitcs  and  the  Moravians.  Of  some 
of  these  several  editions  were  printed,  and  a  popular 
collection  known  as  Das  Klcine  DavidiscJie  Psalter- 
spicl,  which  was  undenominational,  was  issued  no  less 
than  four  times  by  this  press. 

Catechisms  for  the  Lutherans,  the  Reformed  and 
the  Moravians  were  also  issued  several  times.  As 
early  as  1740  George  Whitfield's  sermons  were  printed 

325 


Literary  Activity  of  the  Brethren 


from  an  Enj2;lish  edition.  William  Law's  Grounds  and 
Reasons  for  Christian  Baptism  appeared  only  a  year 
later.  In  1743  Sower  printed  Hochmann's  Confes- 
sion of  Faith,  and  during  the  same  year  three  of  the 
mystical  works  of  John  Hildebrand,  one  of  the  lead- 
ers of  Ephrata.  This  is  sufficient  to  give  some  idea  of 
the  wealth  of  this  kind  of  literature  put  out  by  the 
Sower  press  from  the  first. 

While  it  was  a  leading  purpose  of  the  Sowers  to 
supply  the  German  population  in  America  with  such 
reading  matter  as  would  direct  their  minds  towards 
the  right  kind  of  religious  and  moral  ideals,  they  by  no 
means  restricted  themselves  to  this.  They  kept  in 
view  also  the  practical.  The  first  Christopher  Sower 
wrote  and  spoke  extensively  on  the  political  issues  of 
his  day.  He  used  his  newspaper  as  a  means  of  keep- 
ing before  his  fellow  countrymen  their  rights  as  citi- 
zens of  the  province.  His  editorials  were  apt  to  be 
directed  against  abuses,  or  practices  and  principles 
that  he  regarded  as  harmful.  In  1765  he  delivered 
an  address  on  the  political  issues  of  the  day  that  at- 
tracted considerable  public  attention. 

The  almanacs,  too,  contain  a  great  deal  of  useful 
information  of  a  practical  sort.  In  this  respect  they 
were  not  an  unworthy  competitor  of  Franklin's  Poor 
Richard  series. 

Educational  books,  also,  were  by  no  means  want- 
ing. In  1751  an  English-German  Grammar  was  is- 
sued, especially  as  an  aid  for  the  Germans  to  learn 
English.  This  was  a  12mo  volume  of  287  pages.  Two 
editions  of  this  work  were  printed  later,  in  1762  and 

326 


Writers  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 


1772.  In  1770  tin-  st-cond  Sower  issued  two  editions 
of  Cliristopher  Dock's  "  Sclnil-Ordiiuni^  "  or  Pcdagoj;y. 
This  is  one  of  tlio  earliest  specimens  of  pedagofjics 
proiUiced  in  this  country.  In  1775  he  printed  a  High 
(iernian  A  H  C  Hook  for  Cliildren  who  are  beginning 
to  learn. 

The  same  year  with  Dock's  Pedagogy  appeared  a 
horse-doctor  kK)k,  "  Rosz-Artzncy-Buchlcin,"  a  small- 
sized  volume  of  over  two  hundred  pages.  In  1743  Sower 
printed  the  charter  of  Pennsylvania  in  a  large  quarto 
pamphlet  of  55  pages  and  gave  the  copies  away  to  all 
the  subscribers  of  his  paper. 

It  is  also  interesting  to  note  that  one  of  the  first 
magazines  in  this  country  was  Sower's  "  Geistlichc 
Magazicn,"  published  from  1764  to  1772. 

Pure  literature  also  was  not  wanting.  The  very 
year  in  which  the  Sower  press  was  set  up  is  charac- 
terized by  the  publication  of  at  least  two  popular  Ger- 
man ballads.  In  1755  the  first  Christopher  issued 
Bunyan's  Pilgrim's  Progress.  This  was  before  an 
English  edition  of  this  famous  work  had  appeared  on 
the  American  continent. 


[The  End.] 


INDEX 


Acailomy,    Oormantown  2G4 

Agiipc   3:t 

Almanac  5G,  132 

Contents  of  specimen  number  140 

Description  and  history  of  132 

Krauterbuch   141.  275,  31  1 

Last    Issue  137 

Popularity  of  144 

People's  confidence  In  138 

Revised  History  of  England  143 

Amwell,   Now   Jersey,   first   Dunker  church  organized  by 

John  Naas.  In  1733   28 

Andreas  Frcyen  seine  declaration,  etc.  By  Andrew  Frey.  ..235 

Apologia,  or  Scriptural  Answers  252 

Appendix  291-327 

Appendix  to  Refuted  Anabaptists,   252 

Arnold,  Gottfried,  Pietist  leader   3 

Baptism  15,  18,  31 

of  first  members  In  River  Eder  14,  15,  18 

of  Alexander  Mack.  Who  performed?    20 

of  Ernst  Christoph  Hochmann  von  Hochenau,    12 

Alexander  Mack's  view  of,    10 

Hochmann's  view  of   10 

Becker,  Peter  200-206 

First  leader  of  Dunkcrs  in  America  26,  28,  167 

Literary  labors  of  203 

Hymn  204 

Belssel,  Conrad,  elder  of  Conestoga  church  43,  229 

Withdrawal  from  church  44,  65,  221 

Dispute    with    Christopher    Sower    about    hymns  in 

Weyrauchs-Hiigel   62,  193-197 

Bibles,  Berleberg  53,  68,  69,  112,  292 

Halle  68,  84 

Wittenberg   85 

Sower,  Account  of  the  printing  of   88 

Description  of,    88 

Difficulties  attending  the  printing  of,   76-82 

First  edition  of   99 

Honor  to  German  nation  105 

Ink  used  in,   78,  108 

829 


Index 


Opposition   to  84,  90 

Paper  used  in,   78,  108 

Presented  to  Dr.  Luther,    97 

Price  of   85 

Rarity  and  value  of  100,  111 

Second  edition  of  100 

Type  used  in  78,  97,  98,  108,  109 

Third  edition  of  105 

Tliird  edition  of  compared  witli  other  two,   108 

Title  page  of    87,  102,  109,  110 

Billmeyer,  Michael   158,  321 

Bony,  Andrew   23 

Baptized  in  River  Eder   15 

Bony,  Joanna,  baptized  in  River  Eder,    15 

Bradford,  Andrew   38 

Brethren,    17 

Number  in  Europe  25,  27 

Bunyan's  Pilgrim's  Progress  327 

Cassell,  Abraham  H  53,  131 

Christliche  Bibliothek.    By  George  Adam  Martin  287 

Christopher  Sower's  Printing  Press  37-67 

Chronicon  Epliratense   43,  225 

Communion,  The,    35 

Copia  der  Proclemation  unsers  Governeurs  116 

Corner  in  paper   60 

Das  Kleine  Davidische  Psalterspiel,   325 

Declaration  of  Independence,   127 

Der    Hoch-Deutsch    Pennsylvanisclie  Geschicht-Schreiber, 

 113-120 

First  German  newspaper  in  America  113 

History  and  description  of  132,  134 

Der  Hoch-Deutsch  Pennsylvanlsche  Geschicht-Schreiber,  .113 

Translation  of  114-120 

Sower's  object  in  printing  121 

Sower's  plans  and  policy  122 

Der  Kinder  Bieble,   106 

Der  Kleine  Kempis  255 

Der  Pennsylvanische  Staats  Courier  131,  288,  320,  321 

Destruction  of  Sower  printing  establishment,  107,  108,  128,  321 

Die  Ehe  des  Zuchthaus  fleischlicher  Menschen   45 

Die  Germantauner  Zeitung,   125,  128,  158,  322 

Proceedings  of  Pennsylvania  State  Legislature  159 

Die  Philadelphische  Zeitung  49,  50,  131 

Dock,   Christopher  261 

Books  327 

Donner,  Jacob  287 

330 


Index 


Duboy,   Abrnhnm   22 

Dunkers   1 

Church  orKiiiilzoJ   <1 

First  literary  work  of   12 

In  Amorlca  200,  265 

In  Germany  183 

I'nlMUo  position  first  published  183 

Kokorllns.  Israel,  leailer  at  Kphraln   43 

l.eft  Kphratn   225,  243,  244 

EcUerliiifT.    Michael,    22 

KlnlaUlge,  etc.    By  Michael  Frantz  208 

Ephrata  Community,  History  of  65-67 

ErnstUcho  Ermahnung   55 

Europe,  Work  produced  In  290 

Faith  and  Practice  of  church   30 

Feast  of  Love   33 

Feet-washing   30 

First  Gorman  type  made  in  America  156 

Francko,  August  Herman,  Pietist  leader   3 

Franklin.  Benjamin,   38,  49,  113,  130 

Franklin's  corner  in  paper   60 

Frantz,  Michael,  History  of  206-213 

Confession  of  Faith,  etc.  208 

Frey,  Andrew,  History  of  233-240 

Gass,  Jacob  43,  52 

Gantz,  George  Balser,    22 

Gazette,  The  Royal,   132,  289 

Geistliches  Magazeln  145-157 

A  thank-offering  149 

Character  of  contents  151 

Circulation  154 

First  German  magazine  in  America  145 

Honor  to  American  journalism  157 

Value  of  existing  copies  154,  155 

Genesis  of  the  Brethren  church  1-36 

German  Baptists,  Origin  of   1 

Called  Pietists   3 

Not  Pietists   17 

Emigration  to  America   26 

End  of  organization  in  Europs,    28 

First  members,    15 

First  leader,  Alexander  Mack   4 

Growth  of  church  in  Europe  21,  23 

Growth  of  church  in  America,    28 

Membership  In  Europe  25,  37 

Persecution  In  Germany  4,  17,  22,  24 

331 


Index 


Principles  of  church  29-38 

German  newspaper,  First  in  America   38 

Germantown  Academy  310 

Germantown  church,  first  in  America   26 

Organized,   28,  202 

Germantown,  location  of  Sower  printing  establishment,  . .  26 
Religious  and  literary  center  of  Dunkers  in  America,  .161 

Germantauner  Zeitung  125,  128,  158,  159,  322,  323 

Geschicht-Schreiber  \  51 

Greby,  George   23 

Baptized  in  River  Eder   15 

Ground-Searching  Questions.  By  Alexander  Mack,  169,  178-182 

Gruber's  Queries  178,  181 

Hildebrand,  John,  History  of  220-228 

Writings  of  225 

Hochmann,  Ernst  Christoph  von  Hochenau,  Pietist  leader,  3 

Church    membership   12 

Confession  of  Faith   5 

Imprisonment  at  Detmold   5 

Relations  with  Alexander  Mack   4 

View  of  baptism   10 

Hoch-Deutsch  Pennsylvanische  Berichte  123 

Inlc,  used  in  Sower  Bibles   78 

Ephrata   79 

Inner  Communion  with  God.   By  Michael  Frantz  208 

Introduction  Ill 

Issues  of  the  Leibert  press  321-324 

Kalkloser,  John  Henry   22 

Kipping,  John  15,  18,  23 

Baptized  in  River  Eder   15 

Joanna,  baptized  in  River  Eder   15 

Koch,  Stephen,    22 

History  of  228-233 

Klein,  George  288 

Krauterbuch,   141,  275,  311 

Kurtzer  Begriff   91 

Laws  of  William  Penn,  extracts  from,   294 

Leibert  and  Billmeyer   159,  323 

Peter,    136,  158,  281-285,  323,  324 

Press,  Issues  of  321-324 

Letter  from  Christopher  Sower  to  Conrad  Beissel  187-193 

Letterman,   Daniel  288 

Libe,  Christian  22,  27,  28 

Luther,  Dr.  Ehrenfried  97,  98,  99 

Mack,  Alexander,  Sr  163-183 

332 


Index 


Author  of  Oroiind-SoarclilnR  Questions  169 

Author  of  Kites  nnd  Orillimnces  169 

Baptlzei!  In  Ulver  Kder   16 

Cume  to  America,   26,  167 

EvaiiKellst  4,  14,  155 

First  minister  4,  14,  166,  167 

Hardships  aiul  persoeutlons  166 

I-eailer  of  mother  church  In  Europe,  14,  26.  163,  166,  169 

He  formed   4 

Religious  experiences  164,  165 

Summary  of  character  168 

Mack,  Alexander,  Jr  241-260 

Account  of  organization  of  church  18,  19 

Poems  of  254 

Mack,  Anna  Margarita,  baptized  In  River  Eder   15 

Martin,    George   Adam  286 

Missionary  spirit  of  the  early  church,   262 

Miihlenberg,  Helnrich  Melcholr  84,  94 

Agent  for  Halle  Bibles   84 

Naas,  John  22,  27,  28 

History  of  213-220 

Incidents  In  the  life  of  214 

New  Testament,  printed  by  Sower  105,  106 

Of  Inner  Communion  with  God.    By  Michael  Frantz  208 

On  the  Bringing  up  of  Children.    By  Michael  Frantz  210 

Paper,  Corner  in,    60 

Used  in  Sower  Bible   78 

Pennsylvanlsche  Berlchte  124 

Circulation  of   154 

Pennsylvanlsche  Staats  Courier  288,  320,  321 

Persecution  on  account  of  religion   3 

Pfautz,  Michael  288 

Pietists   3 

Persecution  in  the  German  Empire  4,  17 

Plain   Truth  302 

Plain  View  179 

Preface  vll 

Prices,  The  288 

Psalms  of  David  106 

Philadelphische  Zeitung  49,  50 

Relm-Gedicht  fiir  die  Llebe  Jugend.  By  Alexander  Mack, 

Jr  247 

Reformed,  congregation  received  at  Creyfelt   24 

Rites  and  Ordinances.    By  Alexander  Mack  11,  169-177 

Compare  with  Hochmann's  Confession  of  Faith,  . . . . ,  11 

333 


Index 


English  edition   16 

German  edition   16 

Reissued   16 

Selections  from  170-177 

Royal  Gazette  132,  289 

Sabbatarians  44,   65,  230 

Saur,  Christopher  der  Jungere  127,  245,  260-281 

Saur,  Christopher  der  Jiingere  und  Peter  Saur  127 

Reverses  of  fortune  127 

Schnorr,  Casper  Ludwig  95,  96 

Schwarzenau,  first  Dunker  church  organized  21,  166 

Congregation  emigrated  to  America   27 

Sower   Bibles  68-112 

Sower,  Christopher,  Sr  38,  39,  183-206 

Arrived  in  America  37,  184 

as  an  advertiser,   125 

as  a  creditor  126 

as  an  editor  121,  122,  185-199 

as  a  farmer   42 

Baptism   43 

Career   40 

Early  life  and  education  40,  41,  183 

Domestic  troubles  45,  184 

First  German  printer  in  America  38,  184 

Influence  of  130,  162,  184,  185,  193 

on  public  issues  186,  193-199 

Seidensticker's  comments  upon   48 

Various  occupations  37,  38,  42,  43,  46,  47,  183,  184 

Maria  Christina,  wife  of  Christopher  Sower,  Sr.,    45 

left  her  husband  46,  184 

Sower,  Christopher  the  Second  100 

Sower,  Christopher  the  Third  127,  288,  299 

Sower  Press   38 

Established   39 

Began  operations,    65 

Complete  and  influential  104,  260,  263 

First  English  work  from  298-303 

First  Issue  from   64 

Issues  of  with  notes,   292-321 

Last  issues  from  321 

Purchase  of,   51-54 

Sower  printing  establishment  destroyed,  ...107,  108,  128,  321 

Sower  printing  establishment  reorganized,   157 

Sower,  Samuel  256 

Sower  type  foundry  246 

334 


Index 


Sowor's  trnct  of  warning  to  Germans  193-199 

Sowor's  warfare  against  slavery  309 

State  churches  In  the  German  Empire   3 

Stnto  Letters  or  Brief  Compend  195 

Sunihiy  school,  The  first  246 

Smulry  old  and  new  stories  of  the  appearance  of  ghosts, 

etc  231 

Supper.  The  157 

Taufers  3,  201 

Traut,  John  Henry   22 

The  Communion   35 

The  Christian's  Duty  282 

The  Royal  Gazette  132,  289 

'i'he  Society  for  Propagatinp  Christian  Knowledge,  etc.,  ..130 

The  Sower  nibles  68-112 

The  Sower  Periodicals  113-160 

The  Supper   34 

Type  for  Sower  Bible   78 

Third  edition  108 

I'mstad   22 

I'rner,   Martin  288 

Vettcr,  Luke  15,  18,  23 

Baptized  in  River  Eder   15 

Weyreuchs-Hiigel,  account  of  58-65,  186 

Witt,  Dr.  Christopher   47 

Wittgenstein,  a  place  of  refuge   17 

Work  produced  in  Europe  290 

Writers  of  the  eighteenth  century  161-327 

Zeitung,  Germantauner  125,  322,  323 

Circulation   of  128 

Last  issue  of  128 

Publication    of    proceedings    of    Pennsylvania  State 

Legislature  159 

Zeitung,    Philadelphia  131 

Zeitung,  Philadelphlsche  49,  50 


385 


Date  Due 


MY26'5( 

'  ! 

■  ^ 

